How Is Gold Iodide Synthesized?

Gold iodide can be synthesized through the reaction of gold(III) chloride with potassium iodide in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as chlorine or bromine. The reaction proceeds as follows:

AuCl3 + 3KI + X2 → AuI3 + 3KCl + X2

where X2 represents either Cl2 or Br2.

Alternatively, gold iodide can also be prepared by the direct reaction of gold and iodine:

2Au + 3I2 → 2AuI3

This reaction requires careful handling due to the toxicity and volatility of iodine. In both methods, the resulting gold iodide precipitates out of the solution and can be collected for further use.