Trichloroisocyanuric Acid, Symclosene, Chloreal, TCICA, TCCA, 87-90-1

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid, Symclosene, Chloreal, TCICA, TCCA, 87-90-1

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS) – TCCA (TRICHLOROISOCYANURIC ACID)

1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. REACTION MECHANISM AND MODE OF ACTION

TCCA is a slow-release chlorinating agent. Upon contact with water, it undergoes hydrolysis to release hypochlorous acid (HOCl) , the active biocidal species, and cyanuric acid, which acts as a stabilizer against UV degradation:

C₃Cl₃N₃O₃ + 3 H₂O → 3 HOCl + C₃H₃N₃O₃ (Cyanuric Acid)

• Disinfection: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful, broad-spectrum oxidizing biocide. It denatures proteins, disrupts cell membranes, and inactivates enzymes, effectively destroying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae.

• UV Stabilization: The co-released cyanuric acid forms a weak, reversible bond with free chlorine, protecting it from rapid photodegradation by sunlight. This makes TCCA highly effective and long-lasting in outdoor applications like swimming pools.

• Slow Release: Due to its limited solubility (1.2 g/100 mL), TCCA dissolves and releases chlorine gradually over an extended period, providing sustained disinfection without the need for constant re-dosing. This is a key advantage over fast-dissolving chlorine sources.

4. ALTERNATIVE NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA)

• Symclosene (USAN/INN)

• Trichloro-s-triazinetrione

• 1,3,5-Trichloro-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione

• Isocyanuric acid, trichloro- derivative

• Trichlorocyanuric acid

• TCICA

• Chloreal

• Fi-Clor 91

• ACL 85 / ACL 90 Plus

• Neochlor 90

• NSC-405124

5. PRODUCTION PROCESS (Summary)

The industrial production of TCCA involves the controlled chlorination of cyanuric acid:

1. Raw Material Preparation: Cyanuric acid (typically derived from urea) is prepared as the primary feedstock.

2. Chlorination: Cyanuric acid is reacted with chlorine gas in a controlled, multi-stage counter-current reactor. The reaction is carried out under strictly controlled temperature and pressure conditions. Modern processes use titanium alloy reactors for efficient chlorine distribution and achieve a chlorine consumption of <0.97 tons per ton of TCCA.

3. Crystallization and Drying: The resulting product is crystallized, filtered, and dried to obtain the pure white crystalline TCCA.

4. Forming: The dried product is optionally compacted into tablets or granules, depending on the intended application.

6. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND USAGE RATES

7. MANDATORY / IRREPLACEABLE APPLICATIONS FOR TCCA

TCCA is particularly critical in scenarios where slow, sustained, and long-lasting chlorination is required:

• Long-Term Swimming Pool Sanitation: The combination of slow dissolution and UV protection (via cyanuric acid) makes TCCA tablets the standard for continuous, low-maintenance pool chlorination, providing a steady chlorine residual for days.

• Rural and Emergency Drinking Water Disinfection: Its high available chlorine content (~90%) in a compact, stable tablet form makes it the most weight- and space-efficient option for disinfecting large volumes of water in remote or disaster-stricken areas.

• Long-Term Water Storage: For water that needs to be stored for extended periods without the risk of recontamination, TCCA's slow release provides enduring protection.

8. ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON

9. REGULATORY STATUS, SAFETY, AND STORAGE

• GHS Classification (CLP Regulation):

  • Signal Word: Danger

  • Hazard Statements: H272 (May intensify fire; oxidizer), H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation), H410 (Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects).

  • Precautionary Statements: P210, P220, P261, P264, P273, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338.

• Transport: UN 2468, Class 5.1 (Oxidizing substance), Packing Group II.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool (<30 °C), dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

  • Keep the packaging tightly sealed. TCCA is hygroscopic; contact with moisture will cause decomposition, chlorine gas release, and loss of activity.

  • Strictly segregate from all combustible materials, reducing agents, strong acids, ammonia, amines, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Contact with these materials can cause violent reactions, fire, or explosion.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles/face shield, and protective clothing. Use a respirator with an acid gas/inorganic vapour cartridge if ventilation is inadequate. Avoid breathing dust or vapour.

• Packaging: Typically 1–50 kg plastic buckets or fibre drums with inner PE liners.

10. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What is the main difference between TCCA and SDIC?
TCCA has a higher available chlorine content (~90% vs. ~60%) and dissolves more slowly, making it ideal for long-term, sustained chlorination (e.g., pool tablets). SDIC dissolves faster and is preferred for shock chlorination where a rapid chlorine boost is needed.

Q2: Why does TCCA not need a "stabilizer" added separately?
TCCA releases cyanuric acid as part of its normal chemical reaction with water. Cyanuric acid is the chlorine stabilizer. This built-in mechanism makes TCCA inherently UV-resistant.

Q3: Can TCCA tablets be used in drinking water?
Yes, TCCA is used for emergency and rural drinking water disinfection. The tablets must be properly dissolved according to strict dosage guidelines. The final free chlorine concentration in treated water must meet the limits set by local health authorities (typically 0.5-1.0 ppm at the point of use).

Q4: Is TCCA safe for colored fabrics?
It should be used with caution. The high oxidizing power of the released HOCl makes it an effective bleach. It can decolorize or damage colored fabrics. It is best suited for white textiles or industrial bleaching processes where fabric compatibility is pre-tested.

Q5: What materials are compatible with TCCA?
TCCA is corrosive to most metals, especially in the presence of moisture. Only highly resistant materials like titanium, Hastelloy C, PTFE (Teflon), and certain plastics (PVC, PE, PP) are suitable for handling and storing dry TCCA or its concentrated solutions.

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