cyanuric acid vs Isocyanuric acid

[delaneybob]

Hi- got some Isocyanuric acid for free as part of ordering pool chemicals and wanted to see if this was the same as cyanuric acid- well it's not.

I don't want to divert form straight CYA- opinions?

From Chat GPT

Cyanuric acid and isocyanuric acid are both compounds that contain a triazine ring structure, but they have different chemical properties and uses.

Cyanuric acid (CYA) is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used in outdoor swimming pools as a stabilizer for chlorine. It helps to slow down the degradation of chlorine due to sunlight, which can reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine in killing bacteria and algae in the pool water. CYA is also used in the production of plastics, dyes, and other industrial products.

Isocyanuric acid (ICA) is a derivative of cyanuric acid that contains a chlorine atom attached to one of the triazine rings. It is used as a disinfectant and sanitizer in swimming pools, spas, and other water treatment applications. ICA releases chlorine slowly over time, which helps to maintain a consistent level of chlorine in the water and reduces the need for frequent additions of chlorine. ICA is also used as a precursor for the synthesis of various chemicals and polymers.

In summary, while both cyanuric acid and isocyanuric acid share a similar chemical structure, their specific chemical properties and uses differ significantly. Cyanuric acid is primarily used as a stabilizer for chlorine in outdoor swimming pools and in industrial applications, while isocyanuric acid is used as a disinfectant and sanitizer in swimming pools, spas, and other water treatment applications, as well as in the production of chemicals and polymers.

 

[dfwnoob]

Isocyanuric acid, at least in pool parlance, is another name for the same thing, despite what ChatGPT tells you. It also seems to think that it's a "disinfectant", so that should tell you all you need to know.

 

[JamesW]

Stabilizer is the generic name given to the use of cyanuric acid (also known as iso-cyanuric acid).

Its chlorinated compounds are sodium dichloro-isocyanurate and trichloro-isocyanuric acid.

 

[delaneybob]

Thanks guys Appears they are slightly different chemical strcuture (Figure 1 on the link) and trying to substantiate the claim I saw that iso releases Cl over time. I don't see it

http://www.poolhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/JSPSI_V4N2_pp09-16.pdf

 

[magiteck]

ChatGPT scares me in its ability to be so confidently incorrect.

cyanuric acid vs Isocyanuric acid

Can anyone tell me the difference between these two acids? The Isocyanuric acid is sold at Menards. It's cheaper than Leslie's acid. Their MSDS shows: 1,3,5 Triazine-2,4,6 (1H, 3H, 5H)-trione (Isocyanuric acid)(CAS #108-80-5)

www.troublefreepool.com

Also from

Cyanuric acid

Cyanuric acid | C3N3(OH)3 or C3H3N3O3 | CID 7956 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological activities, safety/hazards/toxicity information, supplier lists, and more.

pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cyanuric acid is the enol tautomer of isocyanuric acid. It has a role as a xenobiotic. It is a member of 1,3,5-triazines and a heteroaryl hydroxy compound. It is a tautomer of an isocyanuric acid.

and…

Tautomers are isomers of a molecule that exist in solution or in a cell. They are interchangeable forms because chemical bonds are rearranged many times spontaneously.

So yes, the chemical structure may be “different”, but one readily converts to the other and vice versa - so ultimately same thing, same function.

 

[delaneybob]

Ok thanks!

 

[Newdude]

ChatGPT scares me in its ability to be so confidently incorrect.

No worse than 98% of FB. Just sayin.

 

[magiteck]

No worse than 98% of FB. Just sayin.

For sure… just we know to expect BS from FB. People expect AI to be intelligent. Then again, the end result is probably the same. The same people who don’t question anything they see in a meme will continue to not question anything the AI spits out.

I mean, excellent on @delaneybob for questioning it, coming here, and learning. How many others out there would just read it and start tossing Isocyanuric acid into their pool and zero chlorine?