Trichloroisocyanuric acid: What is it and why should you care?

Trichloroisocyanuric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C3Cl3N3O3).Used as an industrial disinfectant,bleach,and organic synthesis reagent.This white crystalline powder with a strong "chlorine smell" is sometimes sold in tablet or granule form for domestic and industrial use, trichloroisocyanurate is known as trichloroisocyanurate.

Synthesis

Trichloroisocyanuric acid is prepared by reacting cyanuric acid with chlorine gas and trisodium cyanurate.

Applications 

The compound is a disinfectant,algicide and fungicide mainly used in swimming pools and dyes,and is also used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry. Widely used in civil pools,hot spring bath sanitation,animal husbandry and fishery disease prevention and treatment,fruit and vegetable preservation,waste water treatment,industry,algicide for air conditioning circulating water,anti-shrinkage treatment of wool products,seed treatment and organic chemical synthesis.Used in chemical synthesis,as a source of chlorine gas that is easy to store and transport,not restricted by hazardous gas transportation,and reacts with hydrochloric acid to generate relatively pure chlorine gas.Trichloroisocyanuric acid used in swimming pools is easier to handle than chlorine.It dissolves slowly in water,but as it reacts,the concentration of cyanuric acid in the pool will increase.

Why should you care?

Trichloroisocyanuric acid is described as a white crystalline powder with a chlorine smell and is used to kill bacteria.It is used to treat water (eg in swimming pools) or to bleach textiles.It is not flammable,but can promote the combustion of other substances.

• Releases chlorine gas on combustion.

• It is a skin,eye and respiratory irritant.Some side effects of inhalation include cough,sore throat,or difficulty breathing (including wheezing).

• It is toxic to aquatic organisms and may have long-term negative effects in the aquatic environment.According to Health,the highest risk has passed. However,they note that side effects may take up to 24 hours to appear.Anyone with pre-existing lung disease,such as asthma,should especially be aware of any symptoms.If you develop any symptoms,you should seek immediate medical attention at a walk-in clinic or emergency room.