to start its decomposition: 2 NH2Cl → N2H3Cl + HCl The chlorohydrazine (N2H3Cl) formed during self-decomposition is unstable and decomposes itself, which leads to the net decomposition reaction: 3 NH2Cl → N2 + NH4Cl + 2 HCl Monochloramine oxidizes sulfhydryls and disulfides in the same manner as hypochlorous acid, but only possesses 0.4% of the biocidal effect of HClO. See also Disinfection Disinfection by-products Water treatment Pathogen References External links "Chlorinated drinking water", IARC Monograph (1991) EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels WebBook page for NH2Cl Chlorine and chloramines in the freshwater aquarium Chlorides Drinking water Inorganic amines Inorganic chlorine compounds Nitrogen halides Water treatment