It is an acid-containing compounds of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. Boric acid is also known as acidum boricum, hydrogen borate, boracic acid, and orthoboric acid. It is a weak acid and has antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Boric acid is soluble in water and does not have any characteristic odour.
Uses. Boric acid is used as a fireproofing agent for wood, as a preservative, and as an antiseptic. It is used in the manufacture of glass, pottery, enamels, glazes, cosmetics, cements, porcelain, leather, carpets, hats, soaps, artificial gems, and in tanning, printing, dyeing, painting, and photography.