Boric acid, also called
hydrogen borate,
boracic acid,
orthoboric acid and , is a weak, monobasic
Lewis acid of
boron often used as an
antiseptic,
insecticide,
flame retardant,
neutron absorber, or precursor to other chemical compounds. It has the
chemical formula H3BO3 (sometimes written B(OH)
3), and exists in the form of colorless crystals or a white powder that dissolves in
water. When occurring as a
mineral, it is called
sassolite.