Pronunciation: [bˈɔːɹɒn tɹa͡ɪˈɒksa͡ɪd] (IPA) 
Boron trioxide is a chemical compound with the formula B2O3. Its spelling and pronunciation are quite straightforward when broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "bo-", is pronounced as /ˈbɔː/. The second syllable, "-ron", is pronounced as /ˈbɔːrɒn/. The final syllable, "-oxide", is pronounced as /ˈɒksaɪd/. Put together, the word is pronounced as /ˈbɔːrɒn ˈtraɪˌɒksaɪd/.
Boron trioxide is a chemical compound with the formula B2O3. It primarily consists of two boron atoms and three oxygen atoms, resulting in a total of five atoms in the molecule. Boron trioxide is a white crystalline solid that is commonly referred to as boron oxide.
The compound is often found in nature as the mineral sassolite, but it can also be produced synthetically for various industrial applications. It is highly stable and has a high melting point, making it a versatile compound in many industries.
Boron trioxide exhibits numerous properties that make it useful in different applications. It is an amphoteric oxide, meaning it can react with both acidic and basic substances. It is also a powerful Lewis acid, capable of forming coordinate bonds with Lewis bases. This property allows it to act as a catalyst or a reactant in various chemical reactions.
Due to its high refractive index, boron trioxide is commonly used as a fluxing agent in glass manufacturing, providing optical clarity and increased glass strength. It also acts as a flux in the production of enamels and ceramics, reducing their melting temperatures and enhancing their appearance.
In addition to its industrial applications, boron trioxide is utilized in the production of boron compounds, explosives, and fertilizers. It can also be used as a flame retardant, as it releases water vapor when exposed to heat, effectively suppressing fires.
Overall, boron trioxide is a versatile compound that finds applications in various industries due to its unique chemical and physical properties.
The word "boron" is derived from the Middle Persian word "burah" or "buraq" which was used to refer to borax, a hydrate form of boron. Borax itself has an ancient origin, stemming from the Arabic word بورقس (būraqis) and before that from the Persian word بوره (burah). The term "tri" in "boron trioxide" indicates the presence of three oxygen atoms, and "oxide" refers to a compound formed by combining oxygen with another element.
