Boric acid

Raw materials

1. Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate)

2. Hydrochloric acid

Process

Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) is reacted with a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid:

Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O + 2 HCl → 4 B(OH)₃ [or H₃BO₃] + 2 NaCl + 5 H₂O

Product

Boric acid, H₃BO₃, sometimes written B(OH)₃

Used as

Antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant

Production facility

Caloundra, QLD

Export

Bujumbura, Burundi