Zyklon B

Zyklon B labels

Zyklon B (from German: Zyklon, 'cyclone') was a cyanide-based insecticide infamously used by Nazi Germany in extermination camps during the Holocaust to murder approximately a million people in gas chambers. Its production was initiated by German company IG Farben, with the brand being developed by a subsidiary company, Degesch (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schädlingsbekämpfung). Zyklon B is a cyanide-based insecticide that was originally developed in the early 20th century to combat pests such as rodents and insects. It is a crystalline compound that sublimates into a lethal gas upon exposure to air.

Historical Context

The notorious use of Zyklon B as a genocidal agent occurred during the Holocaust. It was chosen for its lethal effect on humans and ease of use, and was used in extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau and Majdanek.

Chemical Properties

Zyklon B is composed of hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid), a stabilizer, a warning odorant (ethyl bromoacetate), and one of several adsorbents. The product is highly toxic and lethal to humans. The warning odorant was often omitted in the product used for genocide.

Production and Usage

Zyklon B was produced by IG Farben, a German chemical industry conglomerate. The pellets would be dumped into the gas chambers through special openings or vents, and upon contact with air, the hydrogen cyanide would be released, killing all those inside within minutes.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

After the end of World War II, the use of Zyklon B in the mass extermination of people was considered a war crime and a crime against humanity. Several figures associated with its production and use, including executives from IG Farben, were prosecuted and convicted during the Nuremberg Trials.

See Also

• Holocaust
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
• IG Farben
• Nuremberg Trials