I wanted to make some trieythl borate for Halloween. (Yes I'm early) I was going preform electrolysis on an aqueous solution of borax. I know sodium
hydroxide and boric acid. How the hell can I isolate the boric acid and keep it from reacting to the hydroxidej_sum1 - 23-8-2015 at 10:53
AFAIK, the hydroxide is not a problem. Someone will be quick to correct me if I am in error here.
The process is simple. Borax is sparingy soluble in water so you need a bucket for any appreciable yield. Dissolve in water. Add HCl and your
boric acid will drop out as a fine precipitate. Allow to settle (it will take some time). Decant. Dry.fluorescence - 23-8-2015 at 11:13
You can use Borax for that effect, too. I always do my triethylborate with borax and add a bit more Sulphuric Acid.
The acid should convert it to Boric Acid and catalyse the reaction. It alwys worked for me. DalisAndy - 23-8-2015 at 13:54
Only strong acids right? I don't have any strong one handy ATMblogfast25 - 23-8-2015 at 16:13
Only strong acids right? I don't have any strong one handy ATM
Any acid that is stronger than boric acid and that's just about any, will work. Vinegar will work but because it's fairly weak (concentration) the
reaction may take a while to complete.
Citric and oxalic acid will also work.
Which is not to say that HCl and H2SO4 aren't to be preferred, they are.
[Edited on 24-8-2015 by blogfast25]DalisAndy - 23-8-2015 at 21:02
Oh and as a side question. Would hydrogen peroxide cause a problem? I have the potassium salt of Caro's Acid. That would generate sulfuric acid.
Plus other stuffgdflp - 24-8-2015 at 05:53
It won't generate sulfuric acid. Rather, it will generate potassium bisulfate, which should still work fine in this reaction. The hydrogen peroxide
present shouldn't matter.
