Extraction of gold and silver involves leaching with CN- ion. Silver is later recovered by
(d) Extraction of gold and silver involves leaching with CN- ion. Silver is later recovered by distillation of Zn.
In the metallurgy of silver or gold, the respective metal is leached with a dilute solution of NaCN or KCN in the presence of air to obtain the metal in solution as complex Film the complex, metal is obtained later by replacement.
In general,
4M(s)+ 8CN-(aq)+ 2H2O (aq) + O2(g) 4[M(CN)2]-(aq) + 4OH-(aq)
2[M(CN)2]-(aq)+ Zn(s) [Zn(CN)4]2-(aq) + 2M(s)
M = Ag or Au This method is known as Mac-Arthur Forest cyanide process.