Page 10 - index
P. 10
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.
10