New solution found for Gold extraction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a claim made by a University of Saskatchewan professor regarding a new solution for gold extraction from electronic circuit boards. The solution reportedly consists of acetic acid combined with small amounts of an oxidant and another acid, which is said to be environmentally benign compared to traditional methods using cyanide or mercury. Participants are exploring the potential ingredients and mechanisms behind this solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the claim that the solution can rapidly remove plated gold in ten seconds while leaving other metals untouched.
  • Another participant suggests that chlorinated hydrocarbons could be involved, mentioning their use in jewelry and potential for acid formation.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the formation of acid from chlorinated hydrocarbons, emphasizing that the professor indicated an acid and an oxidizer are part of the original solution.
  • There is a reiteration of the environmental benefits of the new solution compared to cyanide or mercury.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the potential ingredients of the solution and the environmental implications, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the specifics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a definitive understanding of the chemical mechanisms involved or the exact nature of the other two ingredients in the solution.

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/
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
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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