Au - Gold

Gold (Au), with atomic number 79, is a highly valued precious metal, renowned for its attractive lustrous yellow color, high density, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. Here’s a concise overview of gold’s physical characteristics, its primary application, and information on its key compounds.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Bright, yellow, and lustrous.
• Density: Approximately 19.3 g/cm³, making it one of the densest naturally occurring elements.
• Melting Point: About 1,064°C (1,947°F).
• Boiling Point: Roughly 2,970°C (5,378°F).
• Conductivity: Good electrical conductor and excellent thermal conductor.
• Malleability and Ductility: Extremely malleable and ductile, allowing it to be drawn into thin wires or hammered into thin sheets.

Application

The primary application of gold is in jewelry and ornamentation due to its lustrous finish and resistance to tarnishing. Additionally, gold is extensively used in financial markets as a form of investment, either in physical form (bars, coins) or through gold-based financial instruments. In electronics, its excellent conductivity and resistance to oxidation make it valuable for contacts, connectors, and circuit board traces in devices where reliable performance is critical.

Compounds

• Gold(III) Chloride (AuCl3): Used in gold plating, photography, and as a catalyst in organic synthesis.
• Gold(I) Thioglucose (Auranofin): An example of a gold compound used in medicine, specifically as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gold Nanoparticles: Exhibiting unique optical, electronic, and therapeutic properties, gold nanoparticles are used in a variety of applications including targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy, diagnostic assays, and catalysis.

Basics on Gold-Wikipedia