What is aqua regia? Give examples of metals that are soluble in aqua regia
What is aqua regia? Give examples of metals that are soluble in aqua regia
Aqua Regia What is this liquid that is so powerful it can dissolve gold? It's name is aqua regia and it has been known since the Middle Ages. Aqua regia is Latin for 'royal water' because it can dissolve royal metals, such as gold and platinum, which amazed the alchemists at the time.
Aqua regia is made by combining one part concentrated nitric acid (HNO3 ) to three parts concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCL). It must be made fresh because it will decompose quickly, therefore it cannot be ordered.
Uses Besides hiding gold from Nazis, what is aqua regia used for?
Gold Refinery It can be used to refine gold. When gold is dissolved in aqua regia, it forms chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The chemical reaction shows gold reacting with both components of aqua regia: nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Au + HNO3 + 4 HCl ----> HAuCl4 + NO + 2 H2 O
Chloroauric acid is used in the process of electrolysis (using electricity to drive an oxidation reduction reaction) to purify gold.
This mixture was given its name (literally, “royal water”) by the alchemists because of its ability to dissolve gold and other so-called noble metals.
What is this liquid that is so powerful it can dissolve gold? It's name is aqua regia and it has been known since the Middle Ages. Aqua regia is Latin for 'royal water' because it can dissolve royal metals, such as gold and platinum, which amazed the alchemists at the time.
Aqua regia is made by combining one part concentrated nitric acid (HNO3 ) to three parts concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCL). It must be made fresh because it will decompose quickly, therefore it cannot be ordered.
UsesBesides hiding gold from Nazis, what is aqua regia used for?
Gold RefineryIt can be used to refine gold. When gold is dissolved in aqua regia, it forms chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The chemical reaction shows gold reacting with both components of aqua regia: nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Au + HNO3 + 4 HCl ----> HAuCl4 + NO + 2 H2 O
Chloroauric acid is used in the process of electrolysis (using electricity to drive an oxidation reduction reaction) to purify gold.
This mixture was given its name (literally, “royal water”) by the alchemists because of its ability to dissolve gold and other so-called noble metals.
