5. How Is AuCl3 Prepared?

AuCl3, or gold(III) chloride, can be prepared by reacting gold metal with chlorine gas in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent, such as aqua regia (a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids). The reaction is typically carried out at elevated temperatures and results in the formation of AuCl3 as a yellow-orange solid. The compound can also be prepared via other methods, such as the reaction of gold oxide with hydrochloric acid or the direct chlorination of gold(0) or gold(I) compounds. The purity and yield of the final product can depend on several factors, including the quality of starting materials, reaction conditions, and purification methods used.