Question

Boric acid, B(OH)3, acts as an acid in water, but does not do so via ionization of a proton from boric acid. Use a balanced chemical equation to show why boric acid may be described as an acid in water.

Answer 1

B(OH)₃ + H₂O = B(OH)₄⁻ + H⁺

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider Arrhenius acid-base theory:

• An acid is a substance that in aqueous media releases H⁺.

• A base is a substance that in aqueous media releases OH⁻.

Boric acid, B(OH)₃ reacts with water according to the following equation.

B(OH)₃ + H₂O = B(OH)₄⁻ + H⁺

As we can see, boric acid releases H⁺ in aqueous media. Thus, it is an acid.