Boric acid is a weak acid which occurs naturally or is often formed by reacting borax with a mineral acid. It has a wide variety of major uses, including medical uses as an anti-septic or as an acne treatment, insecticidal uses in household ant and cockroach traps, and industrial uses like producing fiberglass. Boric acid also has many minor in other processes, encompassing lubrication, wood preservation, and even nuclear power. In combination with polydimethylsiloxane it forms a pliable, bouncing putty often used as a household toy.

Boric acid is compatible with most common metals, plastics, and elastomers, but is incompatible with bases, cyanides, sulfites, and strong oxidizing or reducing agents.

Synonyms

Trihydrooxidoboron, Orthoboric acid, Boracic acid, Sassolite, Optibor, Borofax, Trihydroxyborane, Boron(III) hydroxide