Au (s) + HNO3 (aq) + 3 HCl (aq) → AuCl3 (aq) + NO (g) + 2 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
Au0 - 3 e- → AuIII (oxidation)
NV + 3 e- → NII (reduction)
Au is a reducing agent, HNO3 is an oxidizing agent.
Reactants:
- Au
- HNO3 – Nitric acid
- Other names: Aqua fortis
, Spirit of niter
, Eau forte
- Appearance: Colorless, yellow or red fuming liquid
; Colourless-to-yellow liquid with pungent odour
; Colorless, yellow, or red, fuming liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution. Fuming nitric acid is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide.]
- Other names: Aqua fortis
- HCl – Chlorane
, Hydrogen chloride
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid
, M
, Uriatic acid
- Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid, fumes in air if concentrated
; Colorless gas
; Colourless compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour
; Colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- Other names: Hydrochloric acid
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