Gold Chemical Formula: If you are searching for the chemical formula of gold, this article provides comprehensive information on the subject. Gold is a highly valued precious metal and its chemical formula is represented by the symbol “Au”. By reading this article, you can learn more about the composition of gold and the compounds and complexes that make up its chemistry. So, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the chemical formula of gold.
Gold Chemical Formula
The chemical formula of gold is Au, which comes from the Latin word ‘Aurum’. As a naturally occurring chemical element, gold has an atomic number of 79. This precious metal is known for its unique properties, such as being highly malleable and ductile, making it possible to be drawn into wires and formed into sheets. The Latin name Aurum was used to represent gold on the periodic table. Gold is a valuable metal that is often used for currency, jewellery, and various industrial applications due to its high boiling point and durability.
What is the Chemical Formula of Gold?
The chemical formula of gold can be described by its main compounds and complexes, which are composed of Au(I) and Au(III) substances. Some examples of gold compounds include halides, cyanides, oxides, hydroxides (such as (Au(OH)3), and sulfides. Although it is possible to combine other elements to make gold, this process is not currently profitable due to the expense and nuclear reactions required.
Gold’s atomic number is 79 and its Latin name, Aurum, means “shining dawn”, which predates its Anglo-Saxon name. It is a rare element in the Earth’s crust, with an abundance of only 0.004 ppm, and all naturally occurring gold isotopes have a mass number of 197.
As one of the precious metals, gold is highly valued for its use in jewelry, art, and investment. Its symbol “Au” comes from the first two letters of its Latin name, and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s1.
Au
Properties of Gold
Here are some properties of gold:-
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical symbol | Au |
| Atomic number | 79 |
| Atomic mass | 196.97 u |
| Melting point | 1064.18°C |
| Boiling point | 2807°C |
| Density | 19.32 g/cm³ |
| Electrical conductivity | 45.2 × 10⁶ S/m |
| Thermal conductivity | 318 W/(m·K) |
| Color | Metallic yellow |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 2.5-3 |
| Malleability | Very high |
| Ductility | Very high |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent |
| Reactivity | Non-reactive with most acids, but can be dissolved by aqua regia (mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid) |
| Occurrence | Mostly found in nuggets, veins, and alluvial deposits |
| Uses | Jewelry, coins, investment, electronics, medicine, and many other applications |
Gold Structural Formula
The Gold Structural Formula is a representation of the arrangement of atoms in a gold crystal. It shows that each gold atom is bonded to twelve other gold atoms in a face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The fcc unit cell contains four gold atoms arranged in a cube, with additional gold atoms occupying the centers of each face of the cube. This arrangement creates a highly symmetrical structure with a dense packing of gold atoms. The Gold Structural Formula is important in understanding the properties of gold, such as its high ductility, malleability, and electrical conductivity, which are attributed to the strong metallic bonding between gold atoms in this structure.