Q44Written answer
Write the chemical reactions involved in the extraction of gold by the cyanide process. Also, give the role of zinc in the extraction.
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Worked solution
4Au(s) + 8CN– (aq) + 2H2O(aq) + O2(g) → 4[Au(CN)2] – (aq) + 4OH– (aq)
2[Au(CN)2] – (aq) + Zn(s) → 2Au(s) + [Zn(CN)4] 2– (aq)
Zinc places the role of a reducing agent. It reduces Au+ to pure Au.
IV. Matching Type
Note: Match the items given in Column I and Column II in the following