Trichloroacetonitrile is among a number of contaminants found in drinking water produced by reactions of chlorine with background organic material. Trichloroacetonitrile is an efficient activating agent for the ipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to phenolic compounds[1][2].
[1]. Fang Y, et al. Trichloroacetonitrile as an efficient activating agent for the ipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids to phenolic compounds. Org Biomol Chem. 2019;17(32):7558-7563. [2]. Smith MK, et al. Teratogenic effects of trichloroacetonitrile in the Long-Evans rat. Teratology. 1988;38(2):113-120.