How is gold extracted from its ore?

1.	How is gold extracted from its ore?
Answer» Extraction of gold involves leaching the metal with CN- giving metal complex. 4Au + 8CN^-(aq) + 2H₂O + O₂₍g) 4[Au(CN)₂] ^- (aq) + 4OH^- (aq) The metal is later recovered by displacement method with zinc acting as reducing agent. 2[ Au(CN)₂]^-(aq) + Zn(s) 2Au(s) + [Zn(CN)₄]^- (aq)

Answer»

Extraction of gold involves leaching the metal with CN- giving metal complex.

4Au + 8CN^-(aq) + 2H₂O + O₂₍g) 4[Au(CN)₂] ^- (aq) + 4OH^- (aq)

The metal is later recovered by displacement method with zinc acting as reducing agent.

2[ Au(CN)₂]^-(aq) + Zn(s) 2Au(s) + [Zn(CN)₄]^- (aq)

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