Trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly known as TCA or trichlor, is an organic compound that is widely used as a disinfectant, sanitizer, and bleaching agent. It is a white, water-soluble solid that is highly effective in killing bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. Some of its common applications include water treatment, household cleaning, pool sanitization, and industrial processes.
Chemical Properties
TCA consists of a triazine ring structure with three chlorine atoms and an isocyanurate group. Its chemical formula is C3Cl3N3O3. Some key properties of TCA that make it suitable for disinfection and bleaching purposes are:
- Highly reactive chlorine content - Upon hydrolysis in water, TCA releases free active chlorine in the form of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which is a potent antimicrobial agent.
- Good solubility in water - TCA readily dissolves in water, allowing for uniform distribution of chlorine when added to solutions. This facilitates effective disinfection.
- pH stabilizer - The dissolution of TCA helps maintain pH levels optimal for disinfection around neutral to slightly acidic range.
- Slow release of chlorine - Chlorine is released over a period of time as TCA hydrolyzes gradually, providing long-lasting disinfection effect.
- Heat and light stable - TCA has high thermal stability and is not degraded by exposure to sunlight, allowing for long shelf life.
Water Treatment
Trichloroisocyanuric Acid finds widespread application in water treatment both at municipal and household level. It is commonly used as a chlorinating agent for disinfecting drinking water supplies and swimming pools. Some benefits of using TCA for water treatment are:
- Kills pathogenic microbes - The free chlorine released ensures destruction of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in water.
- Controls algal and fungal growth - TCA prevents accumulation of algae in reservoirs and fungal proliferation in distribution pipelines.
- Maintains chlorine residual - Through its gradual hydrolysis, TCA leaves adequate chlorine residual in treated water to prevent microbial re-growth.
- Meets regulatory requirements - TCA is an approved chemical by regulatory bodies like USEPA and WHO for drinking water disinfection within specified limits.
- Long-lasting effect - A small amount of TCA provides weeks of disinfection when dosed into facilities like pools and water tanks.
Household Cleaning
The bleaching and antimicrobial properties of Trichloroisocyanuric Acid make it an active ingredient in many disinfecting cleaning products for homes and industries. Some applications in household cleaning include:
- Dishwashing machine sanitizers - Automatic dishwasher gels and rinse aids containing TCA eliminate bacteria from washed utensils.
- Laundry sanitizers - Added to laundry rinse cycles, TCA inhibits microbial buildup in washing machines and on fabrics.
- Hard surface cleaners - General purpose cleaners and bathroom cleaners with TCA are effective against germs on floors, tiles, sinks, and toilets.
- Mold and mildew removal - TCA containing bleaches are suited to remove fungus and algae growth from surfaces like shower curtains.
- Food contact surface sanitization - Utensils, chopping boards, and countertops can be disinfected using TCA bleaches.
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