Question

Name the important ore of silver. Write all the steps and reactions involved in the Cyanide process for the extraction of silver from its ore.

Answer 1

Silver :

Argentite or silver glance `(Ag_2S)`

Leaching Process:

Steps:

`Ag_2S + 4NaCN ⇌ 2Na[Ag(CN)_2] + Na_2S`

`AgCl + 2NaCN ⇌ Na[Ag(CN)_2] + NaCl`

`Na_2S + 2O_2 -> Na_2SO_4`

`Ag_2S + 4NaCN + 2O_2 -> 2Na[Ag(CN)_2] +Na_2SO_4`