| MadSci Network: Biochemistry |
Dear Mark:
No, boric acid is not a strong acid, which is one of the reasons it is used to preserve specimens. It has a pH of about 5.1 in an aqueous solution. This is good as anything too acidic would destroy and denature your specimens by hydrolyzation. It is prepared by treating borax with sulfuric acid. Since it is only slightly acidic in solution it can act as a slightly astringent, non-irritating antispetic. It is mild enough to be used in eyewashes and facial washes to treat conditions such as eczema and conjunctivitis, some douching products contain it, and it is sometimes used in suppository form to treat difficult yeast infections.
Commercially, boric acid is used for fireproofing cloth, glazing pottery, hardening steels, making electroplating baths and making artificial gems. Boric acid; however, is never to be ingested, it is a poison. It is used in powder form as a pesticide to kill ants, cockroaches, fleas, silverfish, crickets and other pests. The MSDS on boric acid might also have some helpful information for you. I hope this helps to answer your questions about boric acid....have a great day!!
Sincerely,
Katie
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