Question:

Gold is extracted by hydrometallurgical process, based on its property

Show Hint

Cyanide process works due to formation of soluble metal complexes.
Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
  • of being electropositive
  • of being less reactive
  • to form complexes which are water soluble
  • to form salts which are water soluble
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Gold extraction uses cyanide leaching, where gold forms soluble complex.

Step 1:
Reaction: \[ 4Au + 8CN^- + O_2 + 2H_2O \rightarrow 4[Au(CN)_2]^- + 4OH^- \]

Step 2:
Key property:
Gold forms stable, soluble complex ions. Conclusion:
Thus, extraction is based on complex formation.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0