![]() Army began research on boron-hydrides as a possible rocket fuel that this research proved to be useful. However, these compounds were very expensive and very reactive. In 1910, Alfred Stock, began working on combining boron and hydrogen to make boron-hydrides and he succeeded. You might expect boron to also combine with hydrogen, but in nature there is no known combination of boron and hydrogen. However, carbon also likes to combine with hydrogen to form hydrocarbons for fuels such as gasoline. We also know that one element over from boron is carbon which, like boron, also likes to combine with oxygen to form compounds such as carbon dioxide. We have learned that boron likes to combine with oxygen to form several different compounds. Currently about one-half the mined borax used each year in the world comes from U.S. Boron minerals were discovered in Southern California about 1869. Boron was also used for welding in China and glassmaking in ancient Rome. ![]() Natron was a highly prized substance and was very expensive. Mummification depended upon an ore known as natron, which contained borates as well as some other common salts. Mummification was a regular practice for the burial of the deceased. Boron has been used as far back in history as early Egypt. ![]() Lets start with a brief history lesson on boron. Boron is an element that can be irradiated with neutrons to release high-energy alpha particles and gamma rays that can destroy tumor cells. The fifth element in the periodic table, boron, is receiving quite a bit of attention in the world of medicine for the treatment of tumors. Original text and research by Ryan White, an IUPUI Undergraduate Student as part of a C105 Honors Project. Please respond before 5 AM, Monday, October 16 th, 2000. "What is Chemistry Good For?" The for-credit questions are available at the end of this page. Chemistry 105: What is Chemistry Good For?
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