| Formula / Notation | Au |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 7440-57-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 196.97 |
| Melting Point | 1064.0 |
| Boiling Point | 2856.0 |
| Density | 19.3 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Appearance | Bright, dense, soft, yellow-coloured metal |
| Also Known As | Au, aurum, gold metal |
| Category | Elements |
What is Gold?
Gold is a bright, dense, malleable precious metal, atomic number 79. The most malleable and ductile pure metal. Chemically unreactive - resists corrosion and oxidation. Used as currency, jewellery, and in electronics. Colloidal gold nanoparticles are red/purple.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: Gold
Other Names / Synonyms: Au, aurum, gold metal
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 1064.0 |
| Boiling Point | 2856.0 |
| Density | 19.3 |
| Molecular Weight | 196.97 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Appearance | Bright, dense, soft, yellow-coloured metal |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Gold is a bright, dense, malleable precious metal, atomic number 79. The most malleable and ductile pure metal. Chemically unreactive - resists corrosion and oxidation. Used as currency, jewellery, and in electronics. Colloidal gold nanoparticles are red/purple.
Jewellery and currency (largest uses). Electronics (gold contacts and connectors - corrosion resistant). Gold nanoparticles for medical diagnostics and drug delivery. Dental alloys. Gold leaf decoration. Gold-198 (Au-198) cancer therapy. Colloidal gold in pregnancy tests.
Gold metal: essentially non-toxic (used in food as E175). Gold compounds: moderate toxicity - sodium aurothiomalate causes side effects in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Chloroauric acid: corrosive. Gold cyanide process: highly toxic cyanide compounds used in mining.
The formula or notation for Gold is: Au