Thermodymanic Considerations on Gold Dissolution in Different Lixiviants (I)

Abstract

The paper presents the main thermodynamic aspects related to gold dissolution in different lixiviants. We analyzedthe thermodynamic stability of the gold complexes with the most representative lixiviants with potential for use in the gold industry. Based on the stability constants we determined the electrode potentials of the gold dissolution reactions in variouslixiviants and we presented the electrochemical mechanism of gold dissolution is alkaline cyanide solutions.