High-Purity Solvents, Water Treatments

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA)

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA), identified by CAS number 87-90-1, is a high-efficiency organic chlorinating agent and industrial disinfectant. Structurally, it is a cyclic trimer of chloroisocyanuric acid, manifesting as a white crystalline powder, granule, or tablet with a distinct, pungent chlorine odor. TCCA is renowned for its exceptionally high “available chlorine” content, typically reaching 90%, making it one of the most potent solid chlorine donors available.

Unlike liquid bleach (sodium hypochlorite), TCCA offers superior chemical stability, ease of storage, and a prolonged shelf life, which facilitates safer logistics and handling. In aqueous solutions, it hydrolyzes to release hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active biocidal species responsible for neutralizing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. Its multifaceted utility makes it a cornerstone in global water treatment, textile processing, and agricultural sanitation. However, as a strong oxidizer, it requires stringent handling protocols to prevent reactive hazards with nitrogen-containing compounds or flammable organic substances.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Active Concentration: Provides approximately 90% available chlorine, ensuring maximum biocidal efficacy at significantly lower dosages than alternative agents.
Superior Stability: Resists rapid degradation; maintains chemical potency for extended periods when stored in dry conditions, reducing inventory loss.
Controlled Dissolution: Available in large tablets for “slow-release” applications, providing continuous, autonomous chlorination for swimming pools and cooling towers.
UV Protection: Contains a cyanuric acid backbone which acts as a stabilizer, preventing the rapid dissipation of chlorine caused by sunlight.
Logistical Efficiency: High concentration reduces bulk shipping costs and storage space requirements compared to liquid disinfectants.
Broad-Spectrum Microbicide: Effectively eradicates resistant bacteria, spores, and biofilm-forming organisms.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Identity: Trichloro-s-triazinetrione (C₃Cl₃N₃O₃).
Molecular Weight: 232.41 g/mol.
Solubility Dynamics: Moderately soluble in water (1.2g/100ml at 25°C); highly soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
pH Impact: Aqueous solutions are acidic, with a 1% solution typically yielding a pH between 2.7 and 3.3.
Thermal Properties: Undergoes exothermic decomposition at approximately 225°C, releasing toxic gases including nitrogen trichloride and chlorine.
Regulatory Classification: Classified as a UN 2468, Class 5.1 Oxidizer; requires Hazard Class 8 (Corrosive) considerations for secondary risks.
Available Chlorine: Standard industrial grade maintains ≥ 90%.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Water Treatment: The primary disinfectant for residential and commercial swimming pools, spas, and industrial recirculating cooling water systems to prevent biofouling.
Textile Bleaching: Utilized as a high-efficiency bleaching agent for cotton, linen, and synthetic fibers during industrial fabric processing.
Civil Sanitation: Used for the disinfection of hospitals, public venues, and municipal sewage systems to control the spread of infectious diseases.
Agriculture & Aquaculture: Treatment of seeds, preservation of harvested fruits/vegetables, and disinfection of livestock pens and shrimp ponds.
Industrial Processing: Used in the wool industry as a shrink-proofing agent (chlorination process) and as a chlorinating reagent in organic synthesis.
Food Industry: Sanitization of food-contact surfaces and equipment in dairies and breweries.