Title: Gold Trihydroxide
CAS Registry Number: 1303-52-2
Synonyms: Auric hydroxide
Molecular Formula: AuH3O3
Molecular Weight: 247.99
Percent Composition: Au 79.43%, H 1.22%, O 19.35%
Line Formula: Au(OH)3
Literature References: Usually contains about 3H2O and hence about 65% gold. May be prepd in lab according to the equation 2KAuCl4 + 3Na2CO3 + 3H2O ? 2Au(OH)3 + 6NaCl + 2KCl + 3CO2: Lydén,
Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 240, 157 (1939).
Properties: Brown powder; dec by sunlight to metallic gold; also slowly dec with age or at 100°, and completely at 250°. Practically insol in water. Sol in soln of NaCN, in HCl or concd HNO3. With NH3 yields gold fulminate which
explodes easily in dry form. Protect from light.
Use: In gold-plating solns; for decorating porcelains.