When aqueous solution of borax is acidified with hydrochloric acid, a white crystalline solid is formed which is soapy to touch. Is this solid acidic or basic in nature ? Explain.

When aqueous solution of borax is acidified with hydrochloric acid, a

1.	When aqueous solution of borax is acidified with hydrochloric acid, a white crystalline solid is formed which is soapy to touch. Is this solid acidic or basic in nature ? Explain.
Answer» Solution :An aqueous solution of borax is acidified with HCl to give boric acid. `Na_2B_4O_7 + 2HCL + 5H_2O to 2NaCl + underset"Boric acid"(4H_3BO_3)` Boric acid is a weak monobasic acid. It is not a protonic acid but acts as a Lewis acid by ACCEPTING ELECTRONS from a hydroxyl ion : `B(OH)_3 + 2HOH to [B(OH)_4]^(-)+ H_3O^+`