gold chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gold chloride” mean?
A chemical compound of gold and chlorine, typically existing as gold(III) chloride (AuCl₃).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound of gold and chlorine, typically existing as gold(III) chloride (AuCl₃).
Used as a reagent in gold refining, photography, and the manufacture of purple of Cassius (a pigment). Also used in some medical treatments and nano-material synthesis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' vs. 'color' in descriptive texts).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialised fields like chemistry, materials science, and jewellery making.
Grammar
How to Use “gold chloride” in a Sentence
[Substance] was treated with gold chloride.Gold chloride reacts with [reagent] to form [product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gold chloride” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gold chloride precursor was unstable.
- A gold chloride catalyst was employed.
American English
- The gold chloride precursor was unstable.
- A gold chloride catalyst was used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement or technical specifications for refining or electronics.
Academic
Common in chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in chemical laboratories, gold refining, and photographic processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gold chloride”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gold chloride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gold chloride”
- Using 'gold chloride' to refer to colloidal gold.
- Pronouncing 'chloride' with a soft 'ch' (/ʃ/) as in 'champagne'.
- Confusing it with gold cyanide in extraction contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is corrosive and toxic. It requires careful handling in a controlled environment.
Gold chloride (AuCl₃) is a solid compound. Chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) is an acid containing gold, typically in solution.
No, it is a synthetic compound and is not found naturally. It is produced chemically.
It is a common precursor for synthesising gold nanoparticles due to its reactivity and solubility.
A chemical compound of gold and chlorine, typically existing as gold(III) chloride (AuCl₃).
Gold chloride is usually technical / scientific in register.
Gold chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊld ˈklɔːraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊld ˈklɔraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'gold' (the precious metal) + 'chloride' (like chlorine in table salt, NaCl) = a compound where gold is bonded to chlorine.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this technical compound term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common industrial use of gold chloride?