Synthesis of Au2S and Au2S3 Using H2S, Short-Chain and Ring-Structured Sulfur as Sulfur Sources

Abstract

Abstract To determine which of the two known gold sulfides (containing either mono- or trivalent gold) are formed by reacting trivalent gold with differnt allotropes of sulfur, experiments were made using three different sources of sulfur. When trivalent gold in the form of Au2(SO4)3 in concentrated acid is reacted with electrolytically formed short-chain sulfur, monovalent gold sulfide (Au2S) is formed. If hydrogen sulfide gas reacts with the same solution, trivalent gold sulfide (Au2S3) is produced. Alternatively, if ordinary a-sulfur (ring structure) is used, a 50/50 mixture of Au2S and Au2S3 is formed. The synthesis procedure for the two gold sulfides is substantially simpler than previously reported methods of preparation