The compound formed by dissolving gold and platinum in aqua-regia isa)...
Understanding Aqua Regia
Aqua regia is a powerful acidic solution, typically a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3). It is renowned for its ability to dissolve noble metals like gold and platinum.
Formation of Complex Ions
When gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) are dissolved in aqua regia, they form complex ions:
- Gold typically forms the tetrachloroaurate ion: [AuCl4]-
- Platinum forms the hexachloroplatinate ion: [PtCl6]2-
Why Option C is Correct
The correct answer is option C, which states that the compounds formed are [AuCl4]- and [PtCl6]2-. Here’s why:
- Gold Complex: Au reacts with chloride ions in the solution to form the negatively charged tetrachloroaurate ion [AuCl4]-.
- Platinum Complex: Similarly, platinum in aqua regia forms the hexachloroplatinate ion [PtCl6]2-, which has a 2- charge due to the coordination of six chloride ions.
Comparison with Other Options
- Option A: Incorrect, as [PtCl6]2- is accurate, but [AuCl4]3- is not a valid oxidation state for gold in this context.
- Option B: Incorrect, as [PtCl6]4- does not exist; platinum does not form a 4- charged complex in this reaction.
- Option D: Incorrect, [PtCl4]2- is not formed; platinum forms a hexachloride complex rather than a tetrachloride.
Conclusion
In summary, when gold and platinum dissolve in aqua regia, they produce the stable complexes [AuCl4]- and [PtCl6]2-, making option C the correct choice.