In the Scoville scale, what is the hottest chemical?
Explanation
Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is considered the hottest chemical on the Scoville scale due to its incredibly high level of heat and pungency. It is derived from resin spurge plants and has a Scoville rating of 16 billion, making it significantly hotter than other substances like capsaicin, found in chili peppers, which typically reaches around 2 million Scoville heat units. RTX activates and overstimulates pain receptors, resulting in an intense burning sensation. It is so potent that even a minuscule amount can produce an extreme spiciness, making it the reigning champion of heat on the Scoville scale.