Boric acid

Definition

Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate (H3BO3), is a weak monobasic Lewis acid that acts as a mild antiseptic and preservative. It has various industrial applications including being used as an insecticide and flame retardant.

Related terms

Monobasic Acid: A monobasic acid can donate only one proton per molecule when dissolved in water.

Lewis Acid: A Lewis acid is any substance that can accept electron pairs from other substances during chemical reactions.

Antiseptic: An antiseptic is a substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, on living tissue.