Coniine (2-propylpiperidine) is a weak base. It has the formula C₈H₁₇N. Calculate the pH of a 0.500 M solution of coniine (pK_b = 3.1). Coniine is extracted from the plant Conium maculatum, also called hemlock. This harmless-looking relative of the carrot produces a deadly poison that killed the Greek philosopher Socrates in 399 b.c. Socrates was a gadfly. He set about demonstrating that many prominent Athenians were more concerned with their own self-interest than with the needs of the society as a whole. He was charged with impiety, corrupting the youth, and disturbing the society. Socrates defended himself and was found guilty by the other Athenians. They asked him to recommend his own punishment; he recommended that he be compensated for his work with young people because he had no other source of income. This suggestion angered his peers, who sentenced him to death. Socrates was not well guarded, and the Athenians hoped he would escape. But he felt a moral obligation to follow the edict of the state. So he drank hemlock and died. Three of Plato’s dialogues speak of the events surrounding the death of Socrates. Apology depicts the trial, Crito includes his reasons for choosing death, and Phaedro comprises his musings as the coniine took effect.