New solution found for Gold extraction

AI Thread Summary
A University of Saskatchewan professor has developed a method to rapidly remove plated gold from electronic circuit boards using a solution of acetic acid combined with small amounts of an oxidant and another acid. This technique is noted for being environmentally benign compared to traditional methods that use cyanide or mercury. The process reportedly dissolves thin gold plating in just ten seconds. There is curiosity about the specific identity of the other two ingredients in the solution and how the method works. While chlorinated hydrocarbons like methylene chloride and chloroform are mentioned, they are not considered environmentally friendly, raising questions about their potential role in the process.
pyroartist
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No mention of this here so far that I see so I would like to see what the experts know about this. A Univeristy of Saskatchewan professor claims he has invented a solution, "acetic acid combined with very small amounts of an oxidant and another acid", that can rapidly remove plated gold from electronic circuit boards and leave the other metals untouched. It is environmentally benign compared to cyanide or mecury.
My question is, is anyone willing to guess what the other two ingredients might be? And how does it work? It dissolves the thin plating in ten seconds! Quite an accomplishment.
Here is the link. http://words.usask.ca/news/2016/01/29/gold-diggers/
 
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Chlorinated hydrocarbons. Wedding rings, other (Au) jewelry, catalyze acid formation from chloroform/methylene chloride, and, presumably other similar chemicals.
 
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That is interesting to know. Somehow I don't think he was saying the acid is formed due to a reaction. He said an acid (and an oxidizer) is part of the original
solution. Methylene chloride or chlorform is not evironmentally freindly.
 
pyroartist said:
environmentally benign compared to cyanide or mecury.
 

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