Published by:
CGP EDU Academic Team
Published on: August 14, 2026
Metallic gold will not dissolve in nitric acid alone, but will dissolve in aqua regia. Which is the best explanation for this observation?
A
Chloride ion complexes gold (III), stabilizing it as 
.
. B
Nitric acid is a stronger oxidant in more acidic solution
C
Nitric acid and hydrochloric acid react to form 
which react readily with metallic gold.
which react readily with metallic gold. D
Nitric and hydrochloric acid react to form 
, which react readily with metallic gold.
, which react readily with metallic gold.
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
Conc. 
or HCl cannot oxidize Au to 
alone because standard reduction potential
is too high. But 
in aqua regia complex with 
, lowering down the reduction potential through stabilizing it as 
.
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