All about Aqua regia🫠 @ChemChameleon

Aqua regia, meaning "royal water," was first documented by the Persian alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 8th century. This powerful mixture combines nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in a 1:3 ratio, creating a vibrant reddish-orange solution capable of dissolving even noble metals like gold and platinum.
Jabir's discovery was revolutionary because neither acid alone could dissolve gold, but together they formed an extraordinary reagent. They called it aqua regia - the royal water - for its unique ability to dissolve gold, the king of metals.The secret lay in the precise ratio: one part nitric acid to three parts hydrochloric acid. The power of aqua regia lies in the dance of molecules within. The chemistry behind its power lies in the hydrochloric acid provides chloride ions, while the nitric acid creates nitrosyl chloride and chlorine. These components work together to oxidize noble metals and form stable chloride complexes. It's like a chemical lock-picking set, where each component plays a crucial role in breaking down the metal's resistance.One of aqua regia's most famous historical moments came during World War II, when chemist George de Hevesy used it to dissolve two Nobel Prize gold medals to hide them from the Nazis. After the war, he recovered the gold and had the medals recast.
Today, aqua regia remains important in modern chemistry, used for cleaning laboratory glassware, extracting precious metals, and manufacturing electronic components. However, it must be handled with extreme caution due to its corrosive nature and dangerous fumes. The mixture must always be prepared fresh, as it slowly decomposes and can build dangerous pressure if stored in sealed containers.