Gold Chloride Solubility

Gold chloride, also known as auric chloride or chloroauric acid, is a yellowish-red solid compound with the chemical formula AuCl3. It is sparingly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 0.02 g per 100 mL of water at room temperature.

The solubility of gold chloride can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other ions. For example, the solubility of gold chloride increases with increasing temperature. At elevated temperatures, such as boiling point, the solubility of gold chloride can be higher than at room temperature. Additionally, the presence of certain ions, such as chloride or hydroxide ions, can also impact the solubility of gold chloride. High concentrations of these ions can decrease the solubility of gold chloride, while low concentrations can increase it.

When gold chloride dissolves in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form various species depending on the pH of the solution. At low pH values, acidic solutions form [AuCl4]- ions, whereas at neutral or basic pH values, basic solutions contain [AuCl2]- ions. These different species have different solubilities in water, which may affect the overall solubility of gold chloride in a given solution.

It is important to note that gold chloride is a highly reactive compound that must be handled with care due to its potential toxicity and corrosiveness.