Preparation of 10B-Enriched Boric Acid by Inorganic Hydrolysis: Effects of Defluorinating Agents

This study investigates an economic route for producing ¹⁰ B-enriched boric acid. We used industrial-grade 10-BF ₃ \(\:\text{⋅}\)diethyl ether complex as the starting material. The reaction system employed aqueous suspensions of calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, and lanthanum oxide as defluorinating agents. We monitored the electrical conductivity of the reaction solution over time. The experiments tested various temperatures, reactant ratios, water volumes, and feeding rates. Data analysis revealed their effects on reaction rates. We also propose a preliminary mechanism for this hydrolysis process.