Boron is considered a metalloid chemical element and it is not very abundant in the earth’s crust. It is characterized by being a fairly hard semi-metal and highly resistant to heat. Its importance lies in the fact that it can be used in semiconductors and to create agricultural fertilizers, learn about all the uses of boron in the following link.
Boron is a chemical element that is symbolized by the letter (B) and has an atomic number of 5, in addition, it has an atomic weight of 10.821. Despite the fact that boron is present in more than 100 minerals in the crust such as tourmaline or ulexite, the truth is that its production and extraction is very complicated.
| Symbol | B |
| Atomic number | 5 |
| Atomic mass | 10.821 uma |
| Discovered by | Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac en 1808 |
Boron main properties and characteristics
- Atomic symbol: B
- Atomic number: 5
- Element Category: Metalloid
- Density: 2.08g/cm3
- Melting Point: 3769 F (2076 C)
- Boiling point: 7101 F (3927 C)
- Mohs hardness: 9.5
Physical properties
Boron is an allotropic metalloid that has two established forms. The first is a brown powder and the second is an extremely hard black metal piece, so hard that it is classified with a value of 9.5 on the Mohs scale.
It is a semiconductor, because at high temperature is a good electrical conductor, but under normal conditions it lacks this feature.
Boron is a solid element and at the same time it is very light. Its density is 2460 kg/m3, having its melting point at 2,075°C and its boiling point starting at 4000°C.
Chemical properties
| Cluster | 13 (Boron Group) |
| Period | two |
| Block | p-block |
| Atomic number | 5 |
| Melting point | 2349K |
| Boiling point | 4200K |
| Density (g cm−3) | 2.08 (when liquid) |
| Electronic configuration | [He] 2s22p1 |
Their chemical behavior is very similar to non-metals.
Boron is barely affected by nitric acid, but when subjected to high temperatures it can react producing borates.
It also reacts with hydrogen, producing boranes, which are a series of highly unstable, highly toxic, and explosive compounds. Especially diborane which is a flammable gas very similar to methane.
Where it is found and how it is extracted
It is not found in its pure state in nature, but it is found in the minerals kernite and tinkal, both of which are the most important sources of boron on the planet. The most important deposits exist in Argentina, United States and Turkey.
Pure boron is very difficult to obtain. In the past, some methods were based on the reduction of oxide with the use of magnesium or aluminum, but they implied a great risk of contamination.
Currently, it is obtained by reducing boron halides with hydrogen using high temperatures.
In what part of the planet does it abound?
Boron It constitutes approximately 0.001% of the earth’s crust, a figure that shows its scarcity. This element is also found in various silicates such as tourmaline and datolite, in seawater and in most plants, but in very low concentration.
Meteorites have a medium concentration of boron in their composition. This element is also dispersed through space in the form of gas, forming clouds around solids.
Functions in the human body
Boron is not a substance that is considered essential for the human organism or at least has the same or equal importance that it has in plants.
The human body has at least 0.7 mg for every kilogram of total weight. It is obtained by the consumption of water and vegetables.
Also, this mineral is found in a good amount in nuts and potatoes, there are even supplements that are used for medicinal purposes.
Boron It has antioxidant effects and is used to treat menstrual cramps and vaginal infections.. It is occasionally used to increase athletic performance and for weak and brittle bones such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
On the other hand, boron can interfere with the management of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the body.
Benefits in technology
Boron is used in nuclear technology as a control barrier in nuclear reactors.
In the same way, its physical properties such as its extreme hardness, lightness and low melting point make it an ideal element for the construction of missiles and rocket technology.
Also, the boron participates in the production of bulletproof vests and armoring of objects.
Benefits in society
Boron has multiple uses in the modern age. Despite its low abundance, its use is very diverse and complementary, taking into account its participation in the production of electrical energy through nuclear technology.
Main uses
Borax, which is a compound from this element, is a essential ingredient for detergents, soaps, ironing starches, adhesives, cosmetics and powders
It can also be used as fruit and wood disinfectants, to control weeds and insecticides, and is involved in the production of paper, leather, and plastics.