Yes, gold does react with bromine. This interaction results in the formation of a specific gold compound.
The Reaction of Gold with Bromine
Gold, a noble metal known for its inertness, still participates in reactions with certain halogens under appropriate conditions. When gold metal (Au) comes into contact with bromine (Br₂), a chemical reaction occurs. The product formed is gold(III) bromide, represented by the chemical formula AuBr₃.
This reaction is significant because it highlights gold's ability to exhibit a +3 oxidation state, forming a trihalide compound. The reaction can be conceptually represented as:
Gold (Au) + Bromine (Br₂) → Gold(III) Bromide (AuBr₃)
Understanding Gold's Reactivity with Halogens
Gold's reactivity with halogens varies depending on the specific halogen. While bromine and chlorine react similarly with gold, iodine presents a different outcome. This demonstrates the nuanced chemical behavior of gold.
- Chlorine (Cl₂): Similar to bromine, chlorine reacts with gold to produce gold(III) chloride (AuCl₃), also a trihalide where gold is in the +3 oxidation state.
- Iodine (I₂): In contrast, when gold reacts with iodine, it forms gold(I) iodide (AuI), a monohalide where gold is in the +1 oxidation state. This difference in reactivity underscores the varying oxidizing power and steric effects of the halogens.
The following table summarizes gold's reactions with common halogens:
| Halogen | Reaction Product | Gold Oxidation State |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (Cl₂) | Gold(III) Chloride (AuCl₃) | +3 |
| Bromine (Br₂) | Gold(III) Bromide (AuBr₃) | +3 |
| Iodine (I₂) | Gold(I) Iodide (AuI) | +1 |
This selective reactivity is a key aspect of gold chemistry and is utilized in various applications, from the synthesis of gold compounds to the refining of gold itself. For more detailed information on gold's chemical properties, you can refer to resources like WebElements.
