Cyanuric Acid (fórmula química: C₃H₃N₃O₃) is a heterocyclic compound that consists of a triazine ring (a six-membered ring with alternating nitrogen and carbon atoms) with three carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) attached. It is a white crystalline solid that is relatively insoluble in water and has a mild, weakly acidic nature.
Key Properties:
- Appearance: Cyanuric acid is a white crystalline powder or solid.
- Punto de fusión: It has a high melting point of around 330°C (626°F).
- Solubility: Cyanuric acid has low solubility in water, but it dissolves in strong bases and in hot water.
- Odor: It is odorless.
- Stability: Cyanuric acid is stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high temperatures or in the presence of strong acids or bases.
Usos comunes:
- Swimming Pools: One of the most common uses of cyanuric acid is as a stabilizer for chlorine in swimming pools. Ayuda a prevenir la degradación del cloro por ultravioleta (UV) luz, ampliando así la eficacia del cloro como desinfectante. ácido cianúrico se une con cloro para formar un compuesto estable, que libera gradualmente cloro para mantener una calidad de agua segura.
- producción de herbicidas: ácido cianúrico se utiliza como precursor en la producción de algunos herbicidas y pesticidas, particularmente aquellos de la clase triazina, tales como atrazina. Estos compuestos son ampliamente utilizados en la agricultura para el control de malas hierbas.
- fabricación industrial y química: Se utiliza en la síntesis de otros productos químicos, incluyendo biocidas, plásticos, y resinas. ácido cianúrico también se utiliza en la producción de melamina, un producto químico importante en la fabricación de plásticos y adhesivos.
- resina de melamina: Cyanuric acid is a precursor en la fabricación de resina de melamina, un plástico duradero utilizado en productos tales como laminados, recubrimientos, y utensilios de cocina.
- tratamiento de agua: En algunos casos, cyanuric acid is used as a scavenger for metal ions and can assist in maintaining water quality in cooling towers y industrial water treatment systems.
Consideraciones de seguridad y medioambientales:
- Riesgos para la salud: Cyanuric acid itself is relatively low in toxicity; sin embargo, when it is used in pools or other water systems, improper handling or overuse can cause problems. High levels of cyanuric acid in pool water can cause chlorine lock, where the chlorine is not effective in sanitizing, leading to the potential growth of algae and bacteria.
Inhalation o ingestión of cyanuric acid in significant amounts can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, piel, and eyes, but acute toxicity is generally low.
- Impacto ambiental: Cyanuric acid can persist in the environment, especially in water systems. High levels of cyanuric acid in pool water can affect the aquatic life if discharged into rivers or lakes. It is recommended that cyanuric acid be managed and disposed of properly to minimize its environmental impact.
CAS Number: 108-80-5
The CAS number for cyanuric acid is 108-80-5, which is used for its identification in scientific, regulatory, and industrial contexts.
Conclusión:
Cyanuric acid is a versatile chemical, most notably used as a chlorine stabilizer in swimming pools and a precursor in the production of agricultural chemicals and plastics. While it is relatively low in toxicity, it requires careful management, particularly in water systems, to ensure safety and environmental protection.
