What is B2O3? Important knowledge about B2O3

1. Definition of B₂O₃

B₂O₃, also known as commonly known as boron(III) oxide, boron oxide, or boric anhydride. Its English name is Boron trioxide. B₂O₃ is a white, colorless, odorless, and tasteless crystalline solid. The atomic weight of B₂O₃ is 69.62 g/mol and the atomic masses are 10.81 g/mol for boron and 16 g/mol for oxygen. A B₂O₃ molecule consists of two boron atoms and three oxygen atoms. The ionic structure is B₃+ and O₂-.

2. Properties of B₂O₃

B₂O₃ is a white, colorless, odorless crystalline powder. This substance is insoluble in water but soluble in strong acid and base. In the liquid state, B₂O₃ has weak acidic properties due to its ability to absorb water to form boric acid.

3. Common chemical reactions of B₂O₃

B₂O₃ does not react with metals, acids, non-metals, or salts. However, B₂O₃ can react with water to form boric acid:

B₂O₃ + 3H₂O -> 2H₃BO₃

4. Preparation of B₂O₃

The B₂O₃ is usually prepared from borax (Na₂B₄O₇.10H2O) in the laboratory:

Na₂B₄O₇.10H2O -> 2B₂O₃ + 7H₂O + Na₂O ->

On an industrial scale, B₂O₃ is prepared by melting borax at high temperatures:

4Na₂B₄O₇ -> 2B₂O₃ + 7O₂ + 2Na₂O ->

Chemistry education requires a deep understanding of chemical substances and B₂O₃ is one of the important chemical substances that high school students need to master.