Potassium Tetrachloroaurate(III)

Basic Information of Potassium Tetrachloroaurate(III)

CAS No.	13682-61-6
EC No.	237-222-4
Chemical Formula	KAuCl₄
Molecular Weight	361.77 g/mol
Appearance	Bright yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder
Odor	Odorless
Melting point	Decomposes before melting (>300 °C)
Boiling point	Not applicable (decomposes)
Density	approx. 3.2–3.4 g/cm³
Solubility	Highly soluble in water (>1000 g/L); soluble in ethanol, acetone
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. (Potassium tetrachloroaurate(III)), Class 8, Packing Group III
Chemical Structure

Primary Applications of Potassium Tetrachloroaurate(III)

Potassium Tetrachloroaurate(III) is a stable, water-soluble Au(III) source widely used for gold reduction and deposition in nanotechnology and surface finishing.

1. Gold Nanoparticle & Colloid Synthesis
   Serves as the primary gold precursor for controlled reduction to monodisperse Au nanoparticles using citrate or borohydride methods, essential for biosensors, drug delivery, plasmonics, and catalysis.

2. Gold Electroplating & Electroless Deposition
   Provides Au(III) ions for electrolytic and autocatalytic gold plating baths, delivering bright, ductile, corrosion-resistant coatings on electronics, connectors, and jewelry.

3. Supported Gold Catalyst Preparation
   Used in impregnation or deposition to create Au on carbon, alumina, or oxide supports for selective oxidation, hydrogenation, and CO removal in fine chemicals and emission control.

4. Thin-Film & Seed Layer Deposition
   Enables solution-based gold film formation for microelectronics, sensors, and plasmonic devices requiring high-purity and controlled thickness.

5. Organometallic Gold Complex Synthesis
   Acts as precursor for preparing Au(III) and reduced Au(I) complexes with phosphines, carbenes, or other ligands in catalysis and materials research.

6. Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
   Facilitates gold nanoshell, nanorod, or composite synthesis for photothermal therapy, SERS substrates, and functional coatings.

• Precise Gold Content & Purity
  Advanced quality controls ensure accurate Au assay, minimal impurities, and batch reproducibility for reliable reduction or deposition performance.

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

• Technical Application Support
  Dedicated specialists offer guidance on reduction protocols, nanoparticle stabilization, plating bath formulation, and process optimization.

• Comprehensive Regulatory Compliance
  Full COA, REACH, RoHS, and detailed SDS documentation to facilitate seamless integration into global operations.

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

Hazards Classification

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

• Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H302 + H332: Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled; H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

• UN Number: UN 3260

• Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

• Packing Group: III