Boric Acid is a weakly acidic boron oxide hydrate with mild antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral properties. The exact mechanism of action of boronic acid is unknown; it is generally cytotoxic to all cells. It is used to treat yeast infections and cold sores.
What is boric acid (H3BO3)?
Boronic acid is a monobasic Lewis acid with the chemical formula H3BO3.
It is an acid compound of boron, oxygen and hydrogen. Boric acid is also known as acidum boricum, hydrogen borate, boric acid, and orthoboric acid. It is a weak acid with antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Boric acid is easily soluble in water without any special smell. Under standard conditions, the compound exists as colorless crystals or white powder. Boric acid can be prepared by reacting borax with hydrochloric acid. It may be noted that Wilhelm Homberg was the first to prepare boric acid from borax.
boric acid in medicine
Boric acid is widely used as an antiseptic in the treatment of minor cuts and burns. Additionally, the compound is used in medical dressings and ointments. A very dilute solution of boric acid can be used as an eyewash. Due to its antibacterial properties, boric acid is also used to treat acne in humans. In powder form it can also be sprinkled on socks and shoes to prevent athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
It's important to note that boric acid can be toxic if eaten or inhaled in large quantities. Additionally, prolonged and sustained exposure to boric acid-h3bo3 can severely damage the kidneys.
Learn the chemical formulas of various other compounds here.
Preparation of boric acid
One of the easiest ways to prepare boric acid is to react borax with any mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid. The chemical equation for this reaction can be written as:
