Extraction of gold and silver involves leaching with CN- ion. Silver is later recovered by
- distillation
- zone refining
- displacement with Zn
- liquation
Answer
(3) displacement with Zn
Solution
As per NCERT, silver and gold are leached with a dilute solution of NaCN or KCN in the presence of air:
4Ag(s) + 8CN-(aq) + 2H2O(aq) + O2(g) 4[Ag(CN)2]-(aq) + 4OH-(aq)
The metal is later recovered by displacement with zinc, a more reactive metal:
2[Ag(CN)2]-(aq) + Zn(s) [Zn(CN)4]2-(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Answer: (3)