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3. Group IIIA and Group IVA Elements                  eLearn.Punjab

HBO2 (s) + H2O(l ) → H3BO3 (s)

Metaboric acid                            Boric acid

H2B4O7 (s) + 5H2O(l ) → 4H3BO3 (s)

Tetraboric acid                           Boric acid

H6B4O9 (s) + 3H2O(l ) → 4H3BO3 (s)

Pyroboric acid                            Boric acid

Orthoboric Acid or Boric acid (H3BO3)

It is a white crystalline chemical substance (triclinic), sparingly soluble in
 cold water (2.6% at 40 0C) but dissolves readily in hot water (37% at 107°C).
This temperature variation in solubility forms the basis for its separation and
purification.

Preparation of Boric acid on Commercial Scale

 1. From Colemanite

On commercial scale, boric acid is prepared from a natural calcium borate
called colemanite (Ca2B6O11. 5H2O) by suspending it in boiling water
while, sulphur dioxide is passed through it. Boric acid crystallizes out
from the solution while, the other product CaSO3 remains in the solution.

Ca2B6O11.5H2O(s) + 2SO2 (g) + 4H2O(l ) → 2CaSO3 (aq) + 6H3BO3 (s)

Colemanite

From Borax:

A hot concentrated solution of borax is treated with a calculated quantity
of conc. H2SO4. On cooling, crystals of boric acid formed separate out.

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