Determine the sum of the stoichiometric coefficients when the balanced chemical equation for the cya — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Determine the sum of the stoichiometric coefficients $(a + b + c + d + e)$ when the balanced chemical equation for the cyanide leaching of Gold is written with the lowest possible whole numbers: $a Au + b CN^- + c H_2O + 1 O_2 \rightarrow d [Au(CN)_2]^- + e OH^-$
Answer: 22
💡 Solution & Explanation
The balanced equation is $4Au + 8CN^- + 2H_2O + O_2 \rightarrow 4[Au(CN)_2]^- + 4OH^-$. The coefficients are $a=4$, $b=8$, $c=2$, $d=4$, $e=4$. Note that $O_2$ has a coefficient of 1, which is given. The sum is $4 + 8 + 2 + 4 + 4 = 22$.
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