CAS 13453-07-1 Gold(III) chloride - Materials / Alfa Chemistry

NAVIGATION

Gold(III) chloride

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Catalog Number

ACM13453071-3

CAS Number

13453-07-1

Product Name

Gold(III) chloride

Structure

Category

Electrolytes

Synonyms

Trichlorogold;Gold(III) Chloride;

Description

Gold(III) chloride, traditionally called auric chloride, is a chemical compound of gold and chlorine. With the molecular formula AuCl3, the name gold trichloride is a simplification, referring to the empirical formula. The Roman numerals in the name indicate that the gold has an oxidation state of +3, which is common for gold compounds. There is also another related chloride of gold, gold(I) chloride (AuCl). Chloroauric acid, HAuCl4, the product formed when gold dissolves in aqua regia, is sometimes referred to as "gold chloride" or "acid gold trichloride". Gold(III) chloride is very hygroscopic and highly soluble in water as well as ethanol. It decomposes above 160°C or in light.

Molecular Weight

303.33

Molecular Formula

AuCl3

Melting Point

254ºC

Density

3.9 g/mL at 25ºC

Appearance

Dark red monoclinic crystals

Application

Gold(III) chloride serves a variety of purposes due to its unique chemical properties. Prepared by dissolving gold in aqua regia and then heating the resulting bright yellow crystals to form dark red crystals, this compound is primarily used in photography. In its dimeric form (Au2Cl6), it acts as a catalyst and reagent. Gold(III) chloride is known for its stability under certain conditions, but it decomposes at elevated temperatures to gold(I) chloride and chlorine, and eventually to elemental gold and chlorine if heated further. The compound can also be transformed into other substances through reactions with different agents, such as producing gold(III) sulfide and gold(III) selenide with hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen selenide, respectively. Additionally, it is readily reduced to metallic gold using common reducing agents. Its interaction with substances like stannous chloride results in colloidal gold, famously known for creating "Cassius purple". Other reactions, such as with Grignard reagents, expand its versatility, allowing the formation of various gold-containing complexes. However, caution is needed as reactions with ammonia can produce explosive compounds known as the "fulminate of gold". Overall, Gold(III) chloride's complex chemistry allows it to be utilized in various significant industrial and research applications.

EC Number

236-623-1

Hazard Statements

C,Xi

Log P

-8.99050

MDL Number

MFCD00014172

Safety Description

26-36/37/39-45-37/39-36

Storage Conditions

2-8ºC