What is Tsar's vodka? Dissolution of precious metals, 3 stages of preparation

Aqua regia and alchemy

In the alchemy of Andreas Liebavius ​​in 1597, the production of aqua regia by mixing saturated hydrochloric and nitric acids was first described. Alkahest is a universal solvent. Its preparation was considered as a solution to one of the most important problems of alchemy.

Aqua regia was used quite often in the practice of alchemy. This led to a significant increase in knowledge about chemical reactions and substances. In addition, such experiments contributed to the development of technical chemistry and assay analysis.

In Lavoisier’s works, the formula for vodka “royal” was called nitromuric acid. Scientists thought that the chlorine released in a gaseous state was an oxide of the element muria or dephlogisticated hydrochloric acid.

In Russia she had many names. In the works of M.V. Lomonosov for 1742 it is called “royal vodka”. M. Parpois in 1796 called it “royal vodka”. V.V. Petrov in 1801 gave it the name saltpeter-hydrochloric acid, and G.I. Hess named it nitric-hydrochloric acid in 1831. Other names for this liquid are also common.

The word “vodka” appeared in Russian in the fourteenth century. It was a diminutive of the word “water” and had this meaning until the mid-nineteenth century. Later this word acquired the meaning of “alcoholic drink”; at first it was dialectal. It was only at the beginning of the twentieth century that vodka began to mean strong alcohol.

Brand history

appeared in St. Petersburg in 1995. This is a diversified holding that unites a number of domestic enterprises. The production of alcoholic beverages began in 1997. Tsarskaya Original vodka, belonging to the Premium segment, entered the market in 2003 in connection with the celebration of the tercentenary of St. Petersburg.

Ladoga products have been repeatedly awarded with international awards. In total, the “Tsar’s Collection” has about 60 awards of various levels. Here is a list of prestigious events at which the holding’s drinks received medals:

• Prodexpo;
• The Vodka Masters;
• ANUGA;
• Superior Taste Award;
• SIAL;
• Spirit Competition;
• Vinexpo;
• Best Vodka Award.

The Ladoga Holding has repeatedly acted as a sponsor of significant public events (the Golden Pen award, the Kommersant, RBC and "RBC" campaigns). In addition, the holding collaborated with the Peterhof Museum, the Russian Museum and the Hermitage, and was involved in the reconstruction of the Summer Garden and the Konstantinovsky Palace. In 2015, bankruptcy proceedings for the holding were launched.

Hydrochloric acid

When it comes to the physical properties of hydrochloric acid, it is necessary to note its strong side when dissolving all metals (which are in the voltage series up to hydrogen); H2 is released and chloride salts are formed). You need to be very careful when using this acid, carry out work or experiments outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, since the acid has a very pungent odor and strongly irritates the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract of the human body.

The production of hydrochloric acid occurs by dissolving hydrogen chloride gas in ordinary water (H2O). In turn, hydrogen chloride can be obtained by reacting sodium chloride with highly concentrated sulfuric acid.

Buy quality alcohol

The Tsarskaya trademark is represented today on the market throughout the post-Soviet space in the widest possible variety of options. Consequently, in the rich flavor of the brand’s drinks, you will definitely find those products that will be the ideal addition to any upcoming event, be it a meeting of bosom friends or a birthday celebration. At the same time, whatever product you choose, it will always demonstrate impeccable quality and universal nature, allowing you to create a large number of mixes.

Visit your nearest alcohol store today and replenish your home bar with bright strong alcohol from a brand that has already won recognition from a multi-million consumer audience.

Compound

Aqua regia is an acid , which is a mixture of two concentrated acids, and, accordingly, it is strictly prohibited to consume it internally. A mixture of aqua regia has the following components: nitric and hydrochloric acid in a ratio of three to one.

The formula for aqua regia looks like this: HNO3 + 3 HCl. Sometimes sulfuric acid is added to the composition, in this case the formula is: HNO3 + 3 HCl + H2SO4. This acid can dissolve gold and platinum, but, for example, it cannot dissolve Teflon.

Aqua regia is a mixture of acids

Aqua regia is a clear liquid when freshly prepared. After cooking, the mixture turns yellow-orange and emits a strong odor of chlorine and nitrogen dioxide, the vapor of which is also dangerous to human life.

Reviews

It’s hard not to praise homemade aqua regia, especially if you made it yourself. You can change the taste, strength, sweetness or add bitterness at your discretion, which means you will most likely like the result. But it’s difficult to form a definite opinion about purchased vodka bottled at the factory.

Here the evaluation criteria are not only taste, but also quality and price. According to the opinions of consumers of Tsarskaya vodka, it should be concluded that, of course, not everyone, but most buyers will like vodka. Only a few note an unpleasant aftertaste and unpleasant odor, but, as we know, it is impossible to please everyone.

The only disadvantage of this vodka is its high cost, but customers like the appearance of the bottle and gift packaging. The quality and beautiful execution of Tsarskaya vodka provide it with buyers and positive reviews.

How do precious metals dissolve in aqua regia?

Aqua regia is often used to dissolve rare earth and precious metals in the industry. The chemistry of such metals has its own specific characteristics: the dissolution process is carried out in stages. First, nitric acid oxidizes hydrochloric acid.

This reaction produces chlorine and nitrosyl chloride, which in turn can dissolve gold and platinum. The reaction produces tetrachloroauric acid, commonly known as “chlorine gold,” from which metallic gold can be easily obtained.

The resulting acid, which includes gold, is highly soluble in water. Its crystals are light yellow.

The solution therefore turns yellowish. When heated, the composition decomposes, releasing hydrochloric acid and gold chloride, which has a reddish-brown color.

As heating continues, all gold compounds decompose, releasing metallic gold. When platinum is dissolved in aqua regia, chloroplatinic acid is obtained. When the solution is evaporated, it is released in the form of red-brown crystals of the composition.

Often people who are engaged in extraction want to learn how to make aqua regia on their own. This highly oxidizing solution is not sold in finished form. To extract precious metals, you can prepare it yourself.

Choice in favor of the original

Tsar's vodka belongs to the Premium class, so it is of great interest to fraudsters involved in counterfeiting alcohol. To avoid making a mistake when purchasing, pay attention to the following features:

• all surfaces of the bottle are slightly rounded;
• the bottom is strongly curved, with relief inscriptions applied to it;
• the label is transparent, on its front side there is a portrait of Peter I - check that the printing is of high quality;
• on the back of the label there is an excerpt from the poem by A.S. Pushkin “The Bronze Horseman”;
• a large “Premium” inscription is applied to the side surface of the bottle;
• on the neck there is a small label with the inscription “Vodka Tsarskaya”;
• there is a protective brand film on the lid;
• The neck of the bottle has a dispenser, along the diameter of which the inscription “Tsarskaya” is applied.

Be responsible when choosing alcohol, because counterfeit can not only spoil the impression of the drink, but also harm your health.

Aqua regia is a composition of concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acids in a volume ratio of 1:3. This synthesis has the strongest oxidizing ability, even dissolving gold. But why is it called that? It’s simple, aqua regia is capable of dissolving the “king of metals,” that is, gold, and vodka is a gentle vodka. In the writings of Albertus Magnus this substance was referred to as “aqua secunda”, secondary vodka; later other alchemists in their writings called it “aqua regia (regis)”.

Notes

1. The mass fractions of acids in the initial solutions are indicated.
2. A short reference book for a chemist / comp. V. I. Perelman. - M.: Goskhimizdat, 1956. - P. 430.
3. Anonymous treatise “On Red and White” / Quoted. by Rabinovich V.L.
   Alchemy as a phenomenon of medieval culture. - M.: Nauka, 1979. - 269 p. (p. 55)
4. Jua M.
   History of chemistry. - M.: Mir, 1966.
5. Azimov A.
   A brief history of chemistry. Development of ideas and concepts in chemistry. - M.: Amphora, 2002.
6. Rabinovich V.L.
   Alchemy as a phenomenon of medieval culture. - M.: Nauka, 1979.
7. Manolov K.
   Great chemists. - In 2 volumes. T. I. - Transl. from Bulgarian — 3rd ed. corr., add. - M.: Mir, 1985. - 465 p., ill.
8. What does the word “vodka” mean, is it found in other ancient Slavic languages ​​and when was it first recorded in the Russian language / Pokhlebkin V.V.
   History of vodka. - M: Tsentrpoligraf, 2005. - ISBN 5-9524-1895-3
9. ↑ (inaccessible link). Retrieved October 14, 2011.
10. Stephan Schwarz.
    (pdf) (unavailable link). Retrieved October 29, 2009.

Method of preparing royal water

To make your own aqua regia you will need:

• concentrated HCl, HNO3;
• glass test tube;
• glass rod.

1. First of all, you must accurately measure the required amount of reagents . We remind you that you need to mix three parts hydrochloric acid with one part nitric acid. Do not think about measuring the amount of liquid by eye. The slightest inaccuracy will lead to the reagent being weak in effectiveness. It is best to take a glass test tube with divisions to guide you.
2. Try to use a minimal amount of utensils. And also try to transfer reagents from one test tube to another as little as possible. Be careful not to spill them.
3. We advise you to first pour hydrochloric acid into the test tube, and then add nitric acid to it. This is done so that when you pour less liquid into more liquid, it will reduce the amount of splashing. Pour in the acid carefully, in a thin stream. Do not bring the test tube with acid close to your face to avoid accidentally inhaling the fumes.
4. When you have mixed all the reagents, gently stir the mixture with a glass rod. You need to mix thoroughly so that all the reagents react with each other and do not just separate. Under no circumstances should the test tube be shaken. If you did everything correctly, then the liquid you mixed will initially be yellow, and after half an hour it will darken to orange.

Remember to be careful at all stages !

Section question - answer

How to make aqua regia to dissolve gold?

Expert opinion

Pribrezhny Gennady Valentinovich

Jeweler 6th category

The composition in which two acids act is obtained by combining them in a certain percentage ratio: 65-67% HNO3 and 33-35% HCl. When converted to pure substances, one to two.

How to precipitate gold from aqua regia at home?

Expert opinion

Grishanov Mikhail Petrovich

Jeweler, director of the Grishanov and Co. workshop

If you carry out the etching reaction at home, several chemical reagents are applicable and relatively safe:

• inkstone; FeSO4 is added with an aqueous solution, proportion 1 to 2;
• oxalic acid can be successfully used in secondary precipitation;
• sodium pyrosulfite is suitable for secondary precipitation, added in pure form, in an aqueous solution, requires caution: if something is done wrong, harmful gaseous substances will be released;
• Hydrogen peroxide must have a high concentration for the process to proceed.
• Hydrazine is a strong solvent, not very suitable for home use; if used, it must be added in small drops, since if not done carefully, an explosion may occur.

Mined gold after deposition

Application of royal water

The main and professional use of royal water is its use as a reagent, through which metal chloride is obtained. Some people use this reagent to extract gold from old radio components. And also, with the help of royal water you can easily break padlocks.

The main thing is not to forget that royal water can only be used for the first time after its production.

It is also worth examining in detail the acids that make up aqua regia.

Where can I buy

You can buy Tsarskaya vodka online and in any store in your city. Today, vodka is a popular product. And vodka of good quality and in beautiful packaging should be on the shelves of all stores. There is more choice on the Internet among gift options, but the goods can be delivered directly to your home.

And in the store you will most likely find vodka that you can put on a festive table or drink on a special occasion. Aqua regia from acids can be purchased in stores specializing in industrial chemicals. There are not many of them, but you can find them on the Internet.

Where did it all start?

Alchemists, experimenting with chemical elements since the 16th century in search of a compound that would magically turn any metal object into the coveted gold, noticed this unusual property of a mixture of copper sulfate, several types of saltpeter and a special type of mold combined with ammonia obtained as a result of distillation. It was precisely with these “outstanding features” that the origin of this name was connected.

Alchemists considered gold “the king of metals,” so “water,” which can transform another metal into gold, was called aqua regia, which means “king of water.” Although it would be more correct to call this solution aqua regia, however, in our linguistic space and area, unlike others, the name known as “royal vodka” has taken root, which, despite the same name, keep in mind, to use inside, like an ordinary bitter, is deadly!

Interesting Facts

• “Tsarskaya Original” was released for the first time, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the capital on the Neva (2003). This is the first product from the “royal” series that is widely known today.
• Tsarskaya Zolotaya was the official vodka during the G8 summit in 2006.
• Initially, vodkas from the Czar's Original series were planned for the US market, where alcohol with hints of fruit is very popular. But after conducting marketing research, the manufacturer came to the conclusion that such products are in demand here too. Today you can buy 5 types of fragrant “royal” line from Ladoga.

Royal vodka, what is it?

Aqua regia is a mixture of concentrated acids, a very dangerous toxic substance. Typically, aqua regia contains hydrochloric acid HC l (one volume) and nitric acid HNO 3 (three volumes). Sometimes sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) is added to them. This “cocktail” is a yellow liquid that smells of chlorine and nitrogen oxides. But first, in the Middle Ages, alchemists, including the famous Arab alchemist Geber, prepared aqua regia without hydrochloric acid, then unknown. It was prepared by distilling a mixture of saltpeter, copper sulfate and alum with the addition of ammonia.

Aqua regia – chloroazotic acid, chloronitric acid, nitrohydrochloric nitromuriatic acid, aqua regia.

Royal vodka has a strong oxidizing ability. In particular, it dissolves almost all metals, including such noble metals as gold, palladium and platinum, despite the fact that none of the noble metals dissolves in each of the acids included in aqua regia, but taken separately .

Thus, nitric acid has an oxidizing effect on hydrochloric acid:

During this reaction, two active substances are produced: chlorine and nitrosyl chloride. They can dissolve gold:

The resulting gold chloride adds another HCl molecule. Tetrachloroauric acid is formed, commonly known as “chlorine gold”:

This complex acid crystallizes with four water molecules in the form of H(AuCl4).4H2O. Its crystals are light yellow. The aqueous solution is also yellowish in color. Further, if you carefully heat chlorauric acid, it decomposes to release HCl and reddish-brown crystals of gold (III) chloride AuCl3. When heated, all gold compounds easily decompose, releasing metallic gold.

The reaction proceeds similarly with platinum. Thus, when platinum is dissolved in aqua regia, chloroplatinic acid H2(PtCl6) is obtained. When the solution is evaporated, it is released in the form of red-brown crystals of the composition H2(PtCl6).6H2O.

Balm Bolotov

Many people are interested in information about It is known that a mixture of concentrated acids - nitric and hydrochloric - is aqua regia. The composition according to Bolotov is a weaker solution. The balm, which is prepared in pharmacies, corresponds to 3 percent. Therefore, it does not have a destructive effect on the human stomach and is taken orally. What effect does this remedy have on the human body?

Sulfuric acid dissolves connective tissue by converting sugar into mucopolysaccharides. In other words, it dissolves old cells and improves digestion. Nitric acid improves the functioning of the adrenal glands and increases adrenaline levels. There is also an improvement in cell nutrition, where Bolotov’s Balsam plays an important role; it promotes the formation of vitamins and amino acids in the body and restores protein molecules. It has a beneficial effect on all processes occurring in the body and prevents inflammation. The balm performs several functions. Firstly, it is an increase in the number of new cells. Secondly, it is a reduction in the body’s slagging, that is, the transformation of toxins into salts and their removal from the body. The third is the fight against microbes and restoration of organs.

Application

Today, aqua regia is used as a reagent, as well as for the sterility of glass instruments in laboratories and in the analysis of alloys. Aqua regia and metals are often used to separate the latter. For example, here is a method for extracting gold from a mixture of metals. To do this you will need: a metal alloy containing gold, aqua regia.

The aqua regia must be very carefully heated to 60-70 degrees and the alloy must be immersed in this mixture. The metal alloy must be pre-cleaned to prevent contamination. Next, you will need to wait until the alloy dissolves and the reaction ends. This usually takes about 6 hours. The dissolved gold in the mixture is not visible, but there is no need to worry, it is there.

Gold molecules settle at the bottom of the vessel. In order to combine them into a single piece, we need hydrazine. In liquid form, hydrazine is colorless, but it is better to use powder as it does not have an unpleasant odor. You will need to stir approximately 150-200 grams of hydrazine in 1 liter of water and pour the resulting solution into aqua regia.

The gold will begin to separate, but will look like rusty metal because it is of low quality. By performing this operation several times, you can obtain gold of the highest standard, which cannot be found in stores. Most people have heard of aqua regia as an alcoholic drink. In fact, there are not one, or even two, but many recipes for this vodka. The composition of the original Tsarskaya vodka not only differs from the mixture of acids of Tsar vodka, but also does not have any similar elements.

It contains: drinking water, ethyl grain alcohol, linden honey and tincture. Vodka of this brand is considered a premium drink and is sold in bottles made of expensive frosted glass with decoration. The very idea of ​​​​creating a drink with the name “Tsarskaya” arose on the occasion of the celebration of the tercentenary of St. Petersburg.

The composition of royal vodka was developed based on recipes for alcohol served to the table of the imperial Romanov dynasty. Vodka “Tsarskaya” is produced in several series. There is Tsarskaya golden vodka , its composition is practically no different from the original composition. The bottle is made of the same frosted glass in golden tones. Vodka “Tsarskoe Selo” belongs to the super premium category.

In addition to the main ingredients, it contains a tincture of bird cherry berries and raspberry leaves. Luxuriously designed packaging with a bottle of Imperial Collection vodka includes only water, luxury alcohol and aromatic alcohol. All four types are also available in beautiful gift boxes. Vodka “Tsarskaya” has volumes of 0.5 , 0.7, 0.75 and 1 liter. Alcohol strength is 40%.

The recipe for royal vodka can be obtained from both doctors and homemade vodka lovers. Here, for example, is Bolotov’s recipe for aqua regia: 1 liter of purified water, 200 ml of grape vinegar, 15 grams of concentrated medicinal sulfuric and hydrochloric acid, 5 crushed nitroglycerin tablets. Dr. Bolotov also advises taking the drink only for the purposes of treatment and cleansing the body. There is another recipe for homemade vodka: 60 ml of vodka, 10 ml of vermouth, 10 ml of orange and pepper infusions.

Price

for Tsarskaya vodka starts from 300 rubles and ends at 600-700 rubles. The bottle will have a volume of 0.5 liters. The cost of 0.75 liter vodka starts from 800 rubles and ends at 1800 rubles. For 1 liter of Tsarskaya vodka you can pay from 1000 rubles or more. A volume of 1.5 and 2 liters costs about 1500-2000 rubles. For approximately 2500-4000 rubles you can purchase a gift set complete with a decanter or glasses.

"Tsarskaya" vodka, like alcohol, is sold in many grocery stores

Homemade vodka is usually not sold, since the ingredients for it are quite easy to find, and the recipe is simple and does not require complex steps. You will spend no more than 100 rubles to make homemade aqua regia, although it will have to age for three months or more.