Trichloroisocyanuric acid

March 03, 2009
Image of Trichloroisocyanuric acid 3D Image of Trichloroisocyanuric acid

Trichloroisocyanuric acid, or more formally 1,3,5-trichloro-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione, is a disinfectant, chlorinating agent, and industrial deodorant. It's the active ingredient in "chlorine" tablets used to keep swimming pools safe. Its preparation was first reported by C. H. G. Hands and F. Whitt in 1948.

MOTW update: 
May 17, 2021

Trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly known as “trichlor” or “pool chlorine”, is widely used in tablet form to eradicate microorganisms in swimming pools and hot tubs. This year, pool owners may have to look for alternative chlorinating agents because trichlor is in limited supply. The shortage is the result of a fire last year at the BioLab plant in Westlake, LA. The fire was touched off when Hurricane Laura struck the plant. 

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