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What element in aqua regia causes it to dissolve gold?

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Because of the high concentration of chloride ion in aqua regia, the Au +3 is reacted almost as soon as it is formed, keeping its concentration low; this allows oxidation of more Au to Au +3 , and the gold is dissolved. The gold may also react directly with the free chlorine in aqua regia, since chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent.

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Get more facts and information about aqua regia from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition at Encyclopedia.com.

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