Question

Is boric acid a protic acid? Explain.

Answer 1

Boric acid does not ionize in water to give proton. Hence, it is not a protic acid. It is a Lewis acid as it accepts electrons from hydroxide ions.

$B\left(OH{)}_3\right(aq)+2H_{2}O\to [B\left(O{H}_4\right){]}^{-}\left(aq\right)+H_3{O}^{+}\left(aq\right)$

therefore, boric acid is not protic acid.