Zyklon B (. [tsykloːn ˈbeː] ; anglicized /ˈzaɪklɒn ˈbiː/ or translated Cyclone B) was the trade name of a cyanide-based pesticide invented in Germany in the early 1920s. It consisted of hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid), a warning eye irritant, and one of several adsorbents such as diatomaceous earth.yklon-B redirects here. For the band, see Zyklon-B (band) . Zyklon B labels from Dachau concentration camp used as evidence at the Nuremberg trials. The first and third panels contain manufacturer information and the brand name.