Does cyanide actually smell like almonds?

TL;DR

Smelling cyanide to determine if it really smells like almonds, finding that it has a chemical smell more similar to bleach or chlorine.

Transcript

this video has been sponsored by raycon also please don't try recreating anything that you see here cyanide is probably one of the most well-known poisons and in many movies and shows i've heard them say that it smells like almonds i've also heard chemists say it and i've seen it written in a lot of articles and warnings however i've never actually... Read More

Key Insights

• 👃 Cyanide does not have a distinct smell in its solid form, sodium cyanide.
• 🫢 Smelling cyanide requires converting it to hydrogen cyanide gas.
• 🖤 The smell of cyanide is often compared to bleach or chlorine and lacks the pleasant aroma of almonds.
• 👃 Bitter almonds, which contain cyanide, are difficult to find and have a characteristic smell different from regular almonds.
• 🏃 Bitter almonds are commonly used in alternative medicine, but caution should be exercised due to their toxic properties.
• 👃 The scent of cyanide may not be detectable by everyone, with some individuals unable to smell it even at toxic levels.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the narrator obtain cyanide for the experiment?

The narrator ordered a kilogram of sodium cyanide as smaller quantities were overpriced.

Q: Why does the narrator believe cyanide smelling like almonds is misleading?

Cyanide is often associated with the smell of bitter almonds, but most people are unfamiliar with the scent of bitter almonds. This creates a misleading expectation for the smell of cyanide.

Q: Does almond extract have the same smell as cyanide?

Almond extract does contain benzaldehyde, which gives it a similar aroma to cyanide. However, the smell of cyanide is stronger and not typically associated with the sweetness of almond extract.

Q: Are bitter almonds dangerous to consume?

Bitter almonds contain cyanide, making them toxic. Consumption of a significant quantity could be harmful, but the bitter taste and characteristic smell make it unlikely to mistakenly eat them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The narrator explores the myth that cyanide smells like almonds by obtaining cyanide and attempting to smell it.

• Sodium cyanide, the form of cyanide used, does not have a noticeable smell, as it is a solid.

• To detect the smell of cyanide, a solution of sodium cyanide is converted to hydrogen cyanide gas, which has a chemical smell similar to bleach or chlorine.