Gold(I) Bromide

Gold(I) bromide is a chemical compound with the formula AuBr. It consists of one gold atom (Au) and one bromine atom (Br), and has a molar mass of approximately 286.7 g/mol. Gold(I) bromide is a yellowish-brown powder that is sparingly soluble in water, but more soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform and ether.

The structure of gold(I) bromide can be described as a coordination complex, with the gold atom at the center of a tetrahedral arrangement of four bromine ligands. The compound is typically prepared by reacting gold(III) bromide with a reducing agent such as ascorbic acid or sodium borohydride.

Gold(I) bromide has several potential applications, particularly in materials science and catalysis. For example, it can be used as a precursor to deposit gold nanoparticles onto surfaces, which have applications in electronics, sensing, and biomedical imaging. Gold(I) bromide can also be used as a catalyst for various reactions, including oxidation and reduction processes.

It is important to handle gold(I) bromide with care, as it is toxic and an irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a laboratory coat, should be worn when working with this compound. Additionally, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances.