BOH3

BOH3 is a chemical shorthand that can denote a boron-oxygen-hydrogen species. In many contexts, it refers to the boron trihydroxide moiety B(OH)3, whose conventional formula is H3BO3 and is commonly known as boric acid. In aqueous solution boric acid behaves as a Lewis acid: B(OH)3 + 2 H2O ⇌ B(OH)4− + H3O+. Its acidity is weak in the Brønsted sense, with a pKa around 9.2. The boron center in boric acid is three-coordinate and adopts a trigonal planar geometry.

Boric acid occurs naturally as the mineral sassolite and is prepared industrially from borates, such as by treating borax with mineral acids and concentrating the solution to crystallize boric acid. It is moderately soluble in water (solubility around several grams per 100 grams of water at room temperature) and decomposes on heating before melting.

Applications of boric acid include use as a buffering and pH-adjusting agent in laboratories and pools, an antiseptic and preservative, and an insecticidal compound against pests. It also serves as a flux in soldering and as a component in glass and ceramic formulations. In nuclear technology, boric acid and borate solutions are used as neutron absorbers to control reactivity. It finds additional use in cosmetics, textiles, and flame-retardant applications.

Safety and handling: boric acid has relatively low acute toxicity but can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure should be avoided, and it should be handled with standard lab hygiene.

Note: the term BOH3 may be encountered in discussions of B(OH)3, boric acid, or in theoretical contexts referring to boron-oxyhydrogen species. The most widely recognized and commercially relevant compound is boric acid, H3BO3.