The Mac-Arthur Forrest cyanide process relies on hydrometallurgy to isolate Gold () or Silver (). Wh — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
The Mac-Arthur Forrest cyanide process relies on hydrometallurgy to isolate Gold ($Au$) or Silver ($Ag$). Which of the following statements accurately characterize the displacement step of this process?
Answer: A,B,C
💡 Solution & Explanation
In the displacement step, Zinc dust is added to the soluble complex $Na[Au(CN)_2]$. Zinc, being more reactive (electropositive) and a stronger reducing agent, displaces the noble metal, precipitating solid Au/Ag and forming the very stable tetracyanozincate(II) complex. Gold is the product, not a catalyst.
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