Cyanide
Cyanide is a chemical compound that contains a C≡N functional group (a substituent which causes the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions). This group, known as the cyano group, consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
In inorganic cyanides, the cyanide group is present as the anion −C≡N. Soluble salts such as sodium cyanide (NaCN) and potassium cyanide (KCN) are highly toxic. Hydrocyanic acid (HCN), also known as hydrogen cyanide, is a highly volatile liquid that is produced on a large scale industrially. It is obtained by acidification of cyanide salts.
Organic cyanides are usually called nitriles. In nitriles, the C≡N group is linked by a covalent bond to carbon. Although nitriles generally do not release cyanide ions, the cyanohydrins do and are thus rather toxic. Do not eat!
In order to extract an 'effective' dose of cyanide for a person who weighs, let's say 180 pounds. You would only need 80-325 milligrams to kill them. Cyanide is so lethal that even a half-milligram of it per kilogram of body weight is enough to kill. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, headaches, vomiting, elevated breathing, respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, and death.
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