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On Gold(I) Complexes and Anodic Gold Dissolution in Sulfite–Thiourea Solutions

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Abstract

Processes involving gold(I) complexes were studied in sulfite–thiourea (TU) solutions. It is shown that at pH >5 the complex [\( {\text{AuTU}}_{2}^{ + } \)] undergoes irreversible decomposition followed by deprotonation and formation of a solid phase. From the data of pH in mixed solutions, the equilibrium constants were evaluated: \( {\text{Au}}({\text{SO}}_{3} )_{2}^{3 - } + i{\text{TU}} \rightleftharpoons {\text{Au}}({\text{SO}}_{3} )_{2 - i} {\text{TU}}_{i}^{2i - 3} + i{\text{SO}}_{3}^{2 - } \), log10 β 1 = −1.2, log10 β 2 = −3.6. Some aspects of the anodic dissolution of gold in mixed sulfite–thiourea solutions are considered. With the help of the carbonate buffer system the change of the anodic current density j a was studied at high pH; j a (pH) has a maximum at pH 11.6–11.9 for E a = 0.3–0.6 V (vs. NHE). At pH > 12.0, the j a values decrease sharply. Possible mechanisms of anodic gold dissolution, as well as the role of sulfite, are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of RAS, Lavrentjev Ave. 3, Novosibirsk, Russia

    Igor V. Mironov, Danila B. Kal’nyi & Vasiliy V. Kokovkin

  2. Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova str. 2, Novosibirsk, Russia

    Igor V. Mironov, Danila B. Kal’nyi & Vasiliy V. Kokovkin

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  1. Igor V. Mironov
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  2. Danila B. Kal’nyi
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  3. Vasiliy V. Kokovkin
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Correspondence to Danila B. Kal’nyi.

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Mironov, I.V., Kal’nyi, D.B. & Kokovkin, V.V. On Gold(I) Complexes and Anodic Gold Dissolution in Sulfite–Thiourea Solutions. J Solution Chem 46, 989–1003 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10953-017-0616-9

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