Leaderboards
Ranked by the numbers
Molecules sorted by the values that make them notable. Every row links back into the graph.
Deadliest
Ranked by the lowest reported oral LD50. The smaller the lethal dose per kilogram of body weight, the deadlier. Animal data shown as neutral science: an estimate, never a threshold to act on.
Sweetest
Ranked by sweetness relative to table sugar (sucrose = 1×).
Spiciest
Ranked by Scoville heat units, the pungency of the pure compound: from resiniferatoxin and the capsaicinoids that make chili peppers burn, down to the milder bite of ginger and black pepper. Values outside the capsaicinoids are comparative estimates, since the Scoville scale is defined for capsaicin-like compounds.
Most pungent
The stinkiest molecules, ranked by odor detection threshold in air: the tinier the concentration a person can smell, the higher the rank. Sulfur compounds and the fecal, fishy, and sweaty notes top the list. Air-panel thresholds (Nagata 2003); values vary between studies, so these are representative published figures.
Biggest
Ranked by molecular weight: the heaviest molecules in the canon.