Determination of gold in silver, copper, lead, selenium and anode slime by atomic-absorption spectrometry

A simple and sensitive combined solvent-extraction and atomic-absorption spectrometric method has been developed for the determination of gold in silver, copper, lead, selenium and anode slime. Samples are decomposed with hydrochloric and nitric acids, and gold is extracted as the trioctylmethylammonium-gold bromide complex and determined by atomic-absorption spectrometry by direct spraying of the extract into the flame. Optimal conditions for the extraction and determination of gold have been established. As little as 0.5 mug of gold in a sample can be determined. The extraction of gold from hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid solution with trioctylamine or trioctylmethylammonium chloride (or bromide) has also been investigated.