Gold(I) Chloride

Basic Information of Gold(I) Chloride

CAS No.	10294-29-8
EC No.	233-655-8
Chemical Formula	AuCl
Molecular Weight	232.42 g/mol
Appearance	Yellow to yellow-brown amorphous powder or fine crystalline solid
Odor	Odorless
Melting point	Decomposes before melting (>289 °C)
Boiling point	Not applicable (decomposes)
Density	approx. 7.6 g/cm³
Solubility	Insoluble in water (slowly hydrolyzes); soluble in HCl, acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO (forms complexes)
Nature (hazards)	Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergic skin reaction, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, toxic to aquatic life
RIDADR	UN 3260, Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Gold(I) chloride), Class 8, Packing Group III
Chemical Structure

Primary Applications of Gold(I) Chloride

Gold(I) Chloride serves as a key Au(I) precursor, readily forming active gold species for catalytic and synthetic processes across multiple sectors.

1. Homogeneous Gold(I) Catalysis Precursor
   Acts as the primary source for generating Au(I) catalysts (often with phosphine or NHC ligands) in hydroamination, cycloisomerization, C–H activation, and alkyne additions in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis.

2. Organometallic Gold Complex Synthesis
   Serves as starting material for preparing linear Au(I) complexes with phosphines, carbenes, alkynes, or other ligands in coordination chemistry and catalysis research.

3. Gold Nanoparticle & Cluster Preparation
   Enables controlled reduction to produce Au(0) nanoparticles or small clusters for plasmonics, sensing, catalysis, and biomedical applications.

4. Gold Thin-Film & Coating Deposition
   Used in solution-based or vapor-phase processes to deposit gold films or seed layers in microelectronics and plasmonic devices.

5. Pharmaceutical & Natural Product Synthesis
   Facilitates Au-catalyzed transformations and provides a chloride-free alternative in processes requiring controlled gold introduction for drug discovery.

6. Advanced Materials Research
   Supports preparation of gold-modified surfaces, nanostructures, and functional materials for catalysis, biosensing, and optoelectronics.

• High Gold Content Consistency
  Rigorous analytical verification ensures accurate Au assay, minimal impurities, and batch-to-batch reproducibility for reliable precursor performance.

• Secure Precious Metal Sourcing
  Transparent, responsible gold procurement with inventory buffering to provide supply stability and competitive pricing amid market fluctuations.

• Technical Application Guidance
  Dedicated specialists provide advice on ligand substitution, catalyst activation, reduction protocols, and process optimization for your specific applications.

• Full Regulatory Compliance
  Comprehensive documentation including COA, REACH, RoHS, and detailed SDS to facilitate global operations and audits.

• Sustainability & Recycling Support
  Ethical sourcing practices and gold recovery/recycling programs aligned with ESG objectives and circular economy principles.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion (Category 1B); Serious Eye Damage (Category 1); Skin Sensitization (Category 1); Acute Toxicity, Oral (Category 4); Aquatic Chronic (Category 2)

• Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

• UN Number: UN 3260

• Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

• Packing Group: III