Boron

Location:  Group 13, Period 2
Atomic Weight:  10.811
Coordination Number:  4
Chemical Form in Solution:  B(OH)₃ and B(OH)₄^-1

Storage & Handling:  Keep tightly sealed when not in use. Store and use at 20 ± 4°C. Do not pipet from container. Do not return portions removed for pipetting to container.

Chemical Compatibility:  Moderately soluble in HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄ and HF aqueous matrices and very soluble in NH₄OH. Stable with all metals and inorganic anions at low to moderate ppm levels.

Stability:  2-100 ppb levels stable for months in 1% HNO₃ / LDPE container. 1-1,000 ppm solutions chemically stable for years in 1% HNO₃ / LDPE container. 1000-10,000 ppm stable for years in dilute NH₄OH / LDPE container.

B Containing Samples (Preparation & Solution):  Metal (crystalline form is scarcely attacked by acids or alkaline solutions; amorphous form is soluble in conc. HNO₃ or H₂SO₄); B(OH)₃ (water soluble); Ores (avoid acid digestions and use caustic fusions in Pt⁰); Organic Matrices (dry ash mixed with Na₂CO₃ in Pt⁰ at 450°C then increase heat to 1000°C to fuse; or perform a Na₂O₂ fusion in a Ni⁰ crucible / Parr bomb).