Gas chamber

A gas chamber is a means of execution whereby a poisonous gas is introduced into a hermetically sealed chamber. When the condemned breathes this gas, death follows. Hydrogen cyanide, or more rarely carbon monoxide, are the typical agents.

Method

Initiation Reaction

KCN (s) + H2SO4 (aq) --> HCN (g) + K2SO4

Related Topics:
KCN - H₂SO₄ - HCN - K₂SO₄

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Cleanup Reaction

HCN + NH3 --> NH4+ + CN-

Related Topics:
HCN - NH3 - NH₄⁺ - CN^-

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Generally speaking, the execution protocol is as follows: First, the chemical technician will place a quantity of potassium cyanide (KCN) pellets into a compartment directly below the chair in the chamber. The condemned person is then brought into the chamber, strapped into the chair, and the airtight chamber is sealed. At this point the chemical technician will pour a quantity of concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) down a tube that leads to a small holding tank directly below the compartment containing the cyanide pellets. The curtain is then opened, allowing the witnesses to observe the inside of the chamber. The prison warden will then ask the condemned individual if he or she wishes to make a final statement. Following this, the executioner(s) will each throw a switch/lever that causes the cyanide pellets to drop into the sulfuric acid, initiating a chemical reaction that generates hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas. The condemned individual can see the visible gas, and is advised to take a deep breath to speed unconsciousness in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. Death from hydrogen cyanide is usually painful and unpleasant, although theoretically the condemned individual should lose consciousness before dying. The chamber is then purged of the gas through special scrubbers, and must be neutralized with anhydrous ammonia (NH3) before it can be opened. Finally, the prison doctor examines the individual in order to officially declare that he or she is dead. Following this, the body is removed from the chamber and released to the next of kin.

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One of the problems with the gas chamber is the inherent danger of dealing with such a toxic gas. Ironically the gas used to cleanse the chamber afterwards, anhydrous ammonia, is also very toxic, as is the contaminated acid that must be drained and disposed of. There have been several documented instances where undertakers have been injured because the gas was still present in the individual's body following death.

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