Gold(I) chloride

Gold(I) chloride is a compound of gold and chlorine with the chemical formula AuCl.

Gold(I) chloride is prepared by thermal decomposition of gold(III) chloride.

Although there is a region of stability at higher temperatures at the appropriate chlorine vapor pressures, the compound is metastable at ambient conditions.

This conversion is key to the Miller process, which is widely used for the purification of gold.

[2] Reaction with potassium bromide yields potassium auric bromide and potassium chloride with separation of metallic gold: Gold(I) chloride may irritate the skin and eyes, damage kidney function, and reduce white blood cell counts.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code