Aqua Regia Definition and Warning

[Michael Kay <makay@teleport.com>]

Aqua Regia is a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids. It gets its name
from the property of being the mineral acid mixture that will dissolve gold. Zumdahl's
General Chemistry Text gives the ratio as 1 part concentrated nitric acid to 3 parts
concentrated hydrochloric acid. This mixture is very potent, and may release fumes of
chlorine from oxidation of Cl^- (chloride ion) to chlorine. Use a hood and face shield!
Use of Aqua Regia would be a "Procedure Requiring Special Authorization" under a
Chemical Hygiene Plan (29CFR1910.1450).

Michael A. Kay, ScD, CHMM
makay@teleport.com

Warren Church wrote:

> It may be the same as Aqua Regia which I believe is a mixture of sulfuric and nitric
> acids.
>
> Paul R. Steinmeyer wrote:
>
> > Hello Radsafers;
> >
> > Does anyone out there have any information on what "King's solution" is?  It was
> > recommended to us for dissolving stainless steel to determine absolute activity
> > of the contamination present.
> >
> > Any information would be appreciated.  To avoid cluttering up the list, feel free
> > to respond directly to me instead of the list.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Paul R. Steinmeyer
> > Health Physicist
> > Radiation Safety Associates, Inc.
> > RSA Laboratories, Inc.
> >
> > ************************************************************************
> > The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
> > information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html
>
> ************************************************************************
> The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
> information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html

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information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html