Q15 of 26 Page 1

Write the chemical reactions involved in the process of extraction of Gold. Explain the role of dilute NaCN and Zn in this process.

4 Au(s) + 8 CN-(aq)+ 2H2O (aq)+ O2(g) 4[Au(CN)2]-(aq) + 4OH-


2[Au(CN)2]- (aq)+ Zn (s) [Zn(CN)4]2- (aq)+ 2Au (s)


Gold is leached with a dilute solution of NaCN in the presence of air (For O2) from which the metal is obtained later by replacement. in the extraction of gold and silver, the metal is leached with NaCN or KCN, which is an oxidation reaction, during this process Ag is formed by the replacement of Zinc.






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