nitrogen trichloride

Nitrogen trichloride is a yellow, oily, and highly explosive inorganic compound with the formula NCl3. It is also known as trichloramine or nitrogen chloride. Historically, it was used under the brand name Agene to bleach and age flour—a practice discontinued after it was found to cause severe neurological disorders in humans and animals. Nitrogen trichloride forms as a byproduct of water chlorination (notably in swimming pools) when chlorine reacts with organic matter such as sweat or urine. It acts as a strong irritant to mucous membranes and can cause respiratory problems upon exposure. The compound is unstable in air, rapidly decomposes in water, and poses significant safety risks due to its sensitivity to light, heat, shock, and organic materials[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

Agene

Other names

trichloraminenitrogen chloridetrichloride