Potassium Cyanide

A well known poison substance that most people learn about in history class or from the movies is cyanide. Potassium cyanide is one of the two major varieties of this volatile substance which has a few practical uses. The chemical formula for this compound is KCN. K is the chemical symbol for potassium, while the CN stands for the cyanide ion part of the equation. To produce this material, a person must mix hydrogen cyanide with potassium hydroxide.

Cyanide, in general, is one of the most lethal poisons known to man as 200 milligrams of the substance can be fatal to the average sized male. When ingested, this compound will cause a break down in the mitochondrial lining of oxygen carrying sells. Hence, oxygen doesn’t get into the blood stream. When the body is exposed to this pathogen, cardiac arrest will usually follow causing the subject to die.

Miners have been known to use this substance because it is useful in procuring gold away from other substances it is attached to. This form of cyanide can also aid people in killing bugs. Because of its poisonous nature, it is a very powerful insecticide. Another practical use for this compound is in photography by making older black and white photographs take shape.

As previously mentioned, this kind of cyanide is well known because it has been used many times in history as a method in which people commit suicide. British spies were issued potassium cyanide pills in case of capture so they could not reveal secrets to the enemy. Also, many high ranking Nazi’s used it to escape justice once captured, like leader of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, and the head of the Nazi Air Force, Hermann Goering.

Potassium cyanide is a material that should be kept away from most average people because it appears to be salt. It has been known throughout its history as a way to commit suicide when it is ingested. If this material is ingested seek out immediate medical treatment.