Aucl3 Cation And Anion

The compound AuCl3 consists of a cation (positively charged ion) and an anion (negatively charged ion). The cation is formed by the element gold (Au) losing three electrons, thereby acquiring a positive charge. The resulting cation is written as Au3+. The anion in this compound is formed by the element chlorine (Cl) gaining one electron, giving it a negative charge. As such, the anion is written as Cl-. Overall, the compound AuCl3 has a net charge of zero due to the equal number of positive and negative charges in the cation and anion respectively. It should be noted that the Au ion in AuCl3 exists in a +3 oxidation state, meaning it has lost three electrons from its neutral state.