Boric acid, also known as boracic acid, orthoboric acid, or Acidum Boricum, is a weak acid that is commonly used as an antiseptic, pesticide, and flame retardant, in nuclear power plants to control the fission rate of uranium, and as a precursor to other chemical compounds. It is a colorless crystal or a white powder that dissolves in water. It has the chemical formula H3BO3, which is often written B(OH)3. It is known as sassolite when found as a mineral.

Uses:-

It may be used as an antiseptic for small burns or wounds, and it is occasionally used in bandages or salves, or it can be used as an eye wash in a very weak solution. For the latter, a 1.5% solution or 1 tbsp per quart of hot water has been advised.) Boric acid, being an anti-bacterial component, can also be used to treat acne. Boric acid is effective in treating yeast and fungal infections.

Industrial uses:-

Boric acid is used in nuclear power reactors to slow down the rate of fission. The quantity of neutrons present is typically what drives fission chain reactions.

Boric acid is frequently used in the jewellery industry in conjunction with denatured alcohol to prevent surface oxidation and fire scale from developing on metals during annealing and soldering procedures.

It is also used to make ramming material, a fine silica-containing powder used to make induction furnace linings and ceramics.

Miscellaneous uses:-

Borates including boric acid have been used since the time of the Greeks for cleaning, preserving food, and other activities

Silly Putty was originally made by adding boric acid to silicone oil

TBE buffer is widely used for the electrophoresis of nucleic acids and has a higher buffer capacity than a TAE Buffer. It can be used for DNA and RNA polyacrylamide and agarose gel electrophoresis

It is used in pyrotechnics to prevent the amide-forming reaction between aluminum and nitrates. A small amount of boric acid is added to the composition to neutralize alkaline amides that can react with the aluminum

Boric acid dissolved in methanol is popularly used among fire jugglers and fire spinners to create a deep green flame

The white powder is also used in India and across the world to dust down Carrom boards to decrease friction and increase the speed of play

Boric acid is added to salt in the curing of cattle hides, calf skins, and sheep skins. Used in that way it helps to control bacteria development and also aids in the control of insects