Cyanuric chloride

Cyanuric chloride is the chemical compound with the formula (NCCl)3. This colorless solid is the chlorinated derivative of 1,3,5-triazine. It is the trimer of cyanogen chloride.

The compound is employed as a reagent in organic synthesis for the conversion of alcohols and carboxylic acids into alkyl and acyl chlorides, respectively. It is also used as a dehydrating agent and for the activation of carboxylic acids for reduction to alcohols. Heating with DMF gives "Gold's reagent" Me2NCH=NCH=NMe2+Cl-, which is a versatile source of aminoalkylations and a precursor to heterocycles.