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What is a Gold oxide?

Published in Chemical Compound 2 mins read

A Gold oxide is a chemical compound containing gold and oxygen. Based on the provided reference, a prominent example is Gold(III) oxide (Au₂O₃).

Understanding Gold(III) Oxide (Au₂O₃)

According to the reference, Gold(III) oxide (Au₂O₃) is an inorganic compound of gold and oxygen with the formula Au₂O₃. This means it's a substance made up of gold and oxygen atoms joined together in a specific ratio (2 gold atoms for every 3 oxygen atoms), and it does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds typically found in organic compounds.

Key Properties of Gold(III) Oxide (Au₂O₃)

Based on the reference, Gold(III) oxide exhibits specific physical and chemical characteristics:

  • Appearance: It is a red-brown solid.
  • Composition: An inorganic compound formed from gold and oxygen.
  • Chemical Formula: Au₂O₃
  • Stability: It is known to decompose at 298 °C. This means when heated to this temperature, it breaks down into simpler substances (likely gold and oxygen gas).
Property Description
Chemical Formula Au₂O₃
Nature Inorganic Compound
Appearance Red-brown solid
Decomposition Temp 298 °C

While other forms of gold oxides might exist theoretically or fleetingly, Au₂O₃ is the most commonly referenced and relatively stable form described in the provided information. Therefore, when referring to a gold oxide, Gold(III) oxide (Au₂O₃) is a primary example.