Boron

Properties

Metalloid
Atomic Number: 5
Relative Atomic Mass: 10.81
Melting Point: 3,767°F
Boiling Point: 7,232°F
Solid at Room Temperature

History

Compounds of Boron have been used for a few thousand years
Early Uses- Borax (Boron compound) forms naturally in some salt lakes; exported from Tibetan lake beds along Silk Road
Early Uses- Used by Arab goldsmiths and silversmiths; used to make ceramic glazes
Not extracted until 1808; still were not able to obtain pure form of Boron
In 1909, American chemist Ezekiel Weintraub was first to isolate 99% boron

Uses

Boron has a variety of uses. The element acts as a rocket fuel igniter and is used in pyrotechnic flares. Compounds of Boron are useful in many products such as eye-drops and washing powders. Borax is the most well-known Boron compound and is used to make bleach as well as act as a preservative for food. Boric oxide makes borosilcate glass both strong and heat resistant. Boron-10 acts as a great resource at absorbing neutrons and consequently aids in nuclear fission. Control rods made of boron are used to aid in nuclear reactions maintaining balance.

Importance in Nature

Boron is essential for plant growth because of the crucial role it plays in the stem cells of plants. Meristems are portions of plants that are made up of stem cells themselves. These are the source of every other cell that makes up the plant. Meristems wither and die without boron, thus making it vital for the cell walls of plants.

Natural Abundance

Occurs in volcanic spring waters
Borax deposits are huge in Turkey
Rasorite (Kernite)
- Used to make Boron
- Found extensively in Mojave Desert in California

Videos

This video demonstrates some neat experiments with Boron!

Sources:

Live Science

RSC Periodic Table

This page by Trent M.

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