Question

Define aquaregia.

Answer 1

Metals like gold and silver are not reactive with either HCl or HNO₃. But the mixture of these two acids can dissolve gold. This mixture is called Aquaregia. It is a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid prepared optimally in a molar ratio of 3:1. It is a yellow- orange fuming liquid. It is a highly corrosive liquid, able to attack gold and other resistant substances.