Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.