C3Cl3N3O3

C3Cl3N3O3 is the chemical formula for cyanuric chloride. It is an organic compound and a derivative of cyanuric acid. Cyanuric chloride is a white crystalline solid with a pungent odor. Its chemical structure consists of a six-membered ring containing alternating carbon and nitrogen atoms, with chlorine atoms attached to each carbon atom and oxygen atoms attached to each nitrogen atom. However, the more common and stable tautomeric form has chlorine atoms bonded to the carbon atoms and the nitrogen atoms are part of the ring.

Cyanuric chloride is primarily used as a precursor in the synthesis of a wide range of chemical products. It is a highly reactive compound due to the presence of the three chlorine atoms, which can be sequentially substituted by various nucleophiles. This reactivity makes it a valuable intermediate in the production of herbicides, pesticides, dyes, optical brighteners, and plastics. For instance, it is a key component in the synthesis of triazine herbicides like atrazine and simazine.

The compound is produced industrially through the trimerization of cyanogen chloride. Cyanuric chloride is relatively stable under normal conditions but can react vigorously with water, releasing hydrochloric acid. It is considered an irritant and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions. Its widespread use in agriculture and other industries highlights its significance as a versatile chemical building block.