Cyanuric

Cyanuric is an adjectival term in chemistry used for compounds related to cyanuric acid and its derivatives. It is not a single chemical, but a family name applied to triazine compounds such as cyanuric acid and cyanuric chloride.

Cyanuric acid is a symmetrical triazine with three hydroxyl groups (C3N3(OH)3). It is a white solid used as a chlorine stabilizer in outdoor water treatment, protecting chlorine from sunlight and extending disinfection. Its effective concentration affects the balance between stabilized and free chlorine in pool and spa water.

Cyanuric chloride, the 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, is a highly reactive intermediate in the manufacture of resins, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. As a building block in s-triazine chemistry, it enables substitution to form a wide range of cyanuric derivatives.

These derivatives include herbicides such as atrazine and simazine, produced by substitutions on the triazine ring. Cyanuric chloride and related reagents are also used in polymer and coating technologies for their thermal and chemical stability.

Safety: cyanuric acid is of relatively low acute toxicity but can irritate on contact; cyanuric chloride is corrosive and reactive with moisture. Proper handling, protective equipment, and waste management are required when working with cyanuric derivatives.

See also: cyanuric acid, cyanuric chloride, triazines.