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Question:

Write the chemical reactions involved in the process of extraction of Gold. Explain the role of dilute NaCN and Zn in this process.

Solution:

Dilute NaCN solution is used in presence of oxygen (from air) for leaching gold sample.
4Au(s)+8CN⁻(aq)+2H₂O(aq)+O₂(g)→4[Au(CN)₂]⁻(aq)+4OH⁻(aq)
Zinc displaces gold from the complex [Au(CN)₂]⁻(aq).
Zn(s)+2[Au(CN)₂]⁻(aq)→[Zn(CN)₄]²⁻(aq)+2Au(s)