Bongkrek acid is a respiratory toxin more deadly than other mitochondrial poisons cyanide or 2,4-dinitrophenol. There was some dispute regarding the actual structure of bongkrek acid (also known as bongkrekic acid) but this was resolved in 1973, which explains different structures appearing in the literature prior to this date. It is highly toxic because of its effect on the ATP/ADP translocation mechanism. It shuts this system down, preventing ATP from leaving the mitochondria and providing energy to the rest of the cell.