Physics

Laboratory Preparation of Purple of Cassius

Purple of cassius is only a form of colloidal gold. It is purple or red in colour and after the name of Cassius who discovered it.

Preparation

It is prepared by mixing very dilute solution of gold chloride with stannous chloride solution.

2AuCl3 + 3 SnCl2 → 2Au↓ + 3SnCl4

The gold thus precipitated is adsorbed by stannic hydroxide formed by the hydrolysis of SnCl4.

SnCl4 + 4H2O→ Sn(OH)4 + 4HCl

Uses

It is used in making ruby-red glass and high class pottery.