How Is AuCl3 Prepared?

AuCl3 can be prepared by reacting gold metal or gold powder with aqua regia, which is a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid. The reaction produces AuCl3 and nitrogen oxides as byproducts. The reaction can be written as:

2 Au (s) + 6 HCl (aq) + 2 HNO3 (aq) → 2 AuCl3 (aq) + 2 NO (g) + 4 H2O (l)

The resulting solution of AuCl3 can then be purified by recrystallization or other methods. It is important to handle this compound with care, as it is toxic and can cause skin irritation.