Which of the following is not used for obtaining Aga)As a side product...
D) By heating Na[Ag(CN)2]
Explanation:
This option refers to the heating of sodium dicyanoargentate(I), Na[Ag(CN)2], to obtain silver. However, this method is not commonly used to obtain silver. Let's understand why.
1. Electrolytic refining of copper:
- In the electrolytic refining of copper, impure copper is used as an anode, and pure copper is used as a cathode.
- During electrolysis, copper ions from the impure copper anode migrate towards the cathode and get deposited. At the same time, other impurities present in the anode also get removed.
- The impurities that get removed settle down at the bottom of the electrolytic cell and are known as anode sludge.
- This anode sludge contains various metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and palladium, as by-products of the copper refining process.
- The anode sludge is further processed to extract these precious metals, including silver.
2. Parkes process:
- The Parkes process is a method used to extract silver from lead during the refining process.
- In this process, molten lead containing silver is treated with zinc.
- The addition of zinc forms a zinc-silver alloy, known as dore metal, which floats on top of the molten lead.
- The dore metal is then skimmed off and further processed to separate the silver from the zinc.
3. Reaction of silver sulphide with KCN:
- Silver sulfide (Ag2S) is a common compound of silver found in nature.
- It can be reacted with potassium cyanide (KCN) to form a soluble complex, potassium dicyanoargentate(I) (K[Ag(CN)2]).
- This soluble complex can then be reacted with zinc to obtain silver.
4. Heating Na[Ag(CN)2]:
- Sodium dicyanoargentate(I) (Na[Ag(CN)2]) is a compound that can be formed by the reaction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium cyanide (NaCN).
- However, heating Na[Ag(CN)2] is not a commonly used method to obtain silver. It may result in the decomposition of the compound and the release of toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
- Therefore, this method is not preferred for the extraction of silver.
In conclusion, heating Na[Ag(CN)2] is not used for obtaining silver due to the potential release of toxic gases. The other options mentioned in the question are commonly used methods for obtaining silver as by-products or through specific chemical reactions.