Samples for Comparison

Unlabeled drug bottle.

a.) The victim had been prescribed JointSpry, a harmless drug for osteoarthritis with a molecular formula of C₁₇H₁₄O₄S.

b.) Hypoprolactin is a related, hard-to-distinguish drug that can be toxic even in small doses. The molecular formula of the toxic drug is C₃₄H₂₈O₈S₂.

Half-empty cup.

a.) The victim was partial to almond tea, flavored by a compound with a molecular formula of H3C3N3.

b.) Hydrogen cyanide is a fast-acting, deadly poison known for its almond taste. The molecular formula of hydrogen cyanide is HCN.

Partially full bottle of acetaminophen.

a.) Acetaminophen is toxic only in high doses. For poisoning to occur, the victim would need to ingest at least 0.3 moles of acetaminophen in a short time.

Victim’s Research

a.) The victim claimed to be working on a newly discovered hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₉H₉.

b.) Benzene is a hydrocarbon that is toxic when inhaled in moderate to large doses. Benzene has a molecular formula of C₆H₆.