Reaction Of Hypochlorite Research Articles

Quantifying sodium hypochlorite content in hypochlorite-based disinfectants via phase-conversion headspace technique

In this work, a novel and efficient approach for sodium hypochlorite analysis is proposed via phase-conversion headspace technique, which is based on the gas chromatography (GC) detection of generated carbon dioxide (CO2) from the redox reaction of sodium hypochlorite with sodium oxalate. The data obtained by the proposed method suggest the high detecting precision and accuracy. In addition, the method has low detection limits (limit of quantification (LOQ) = 0.24 μg/mL), and the recoveries of added standard ranged from 98.33 to 101.27 %. The proposed phase-conversion headspace technique is efficient and automated, thereby offering an efficient strategy for highly efficient analysis of sodium hypochlorite and related products.

Integrated instrumental setup comprising an automatic solution handling module and homemade luminometer with two photodetectors for the determination of antioxidants in wines.

This study describes the development of an integrated instrumental setup, comprising a multi-commuted flow analysis module for solution handling and a homemade luminometer assembled with two photodetectors for luminescence detection. This setup controlled by an Arduino Due board was used to develop an analytical procedure for determining antioxidants in red and white wines, using chemiluminescence detection. The analytical procedure is based on the reaction of hypochlorite with antioxidants present in wine, followed of oxidizing reaction with luminol in an alkaline medium (pH > 9). After determining the optimal operational parameters, the following analytical parameters were obtained: linear responses for gallic acid concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 4.0 g L-1 (r2 = 0.999) for red wine and from 75 to 500 mg L-1 (r2 = 0.994) for white wine, a coefficient of variation of 2.71% (n = 9) for a wine sample with an antioxidant concentration of 1.57 g L-1 in gallic acid equivalent, recoveries ranging from 85 to 114%, an analytical throughput of 100 determinations per hour, consumption of 0.35 μg of hypochlorite and 53 mg of luminol per determination, and limits of detection of 0.25 g L-1 and 29 mg L-1 for red and white wine, respectively.

Do We Appropriately Detect and Understand Singlet Oxygen Possibly Generated in Advanced Oxidation Processes by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy?

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using sterically hindered amine is extensively applied to detect singlet oxygen (1O2) possibly generated in advanced oxidation processes. However, EPR-detectable 1O2 signals were observed in not only the 1O2-dominated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/hypochlorite (NaClO) reaction but surprisingly also the 1O2-absent Fe(II)/H2O2, UV/H2O2, and ferrate [Fe(VI)] process with even stronger intensities. By taking advantage of the characteristic reaction between 1O2 and 9,10-diphenyl-anthracene and near-infrared phosphorescent emission of 1O2, 1O2 was excluded in the Fe(II)/H2O2, UV/H2O2, and Fe(VI) process. The false detection of 1O2 was ascribed to the direct oxidation of hindered amine to piperidyl radical by reactive species [e.g., •OH and Fe(VI)/Fe(V)/Fe(IV)] via hydrogen transfer, followed by molecular oxygen addition (forming a piperidylperoxyl radical) and back reaction with piperidyl radical to generate a nitroxide radical, as evidenced by the successful identification of a piperidyl radical intermediate at 100 K and theoretical calculations. Moreover, compared to the highly oxidative species (e.g., •OH and high-valence Fe), the much lower reactivity of 1O2 and the profound nonradiative relaxation of 1O2 in H2O resulted it too selective and inefficient in organic contaminant destruction. This study demonstrated that EPR-based 1O2 detection could be remarkably misled by common oxidative species and thereby jeopardize the understandings on 1O2.

Влияние структурной организации нуклеиновых кислот на взаимодействие с гипохлоритом: АТФP, PolyA и ДНК

The action of hypochlorite on various biological molecules in a living cell has been actively studied for years. However, the influence of the structural organization of nucleic acids on their interaction with hypochlorite remains underinvestigated. In this work, using ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, we analyzed the effect of the structure of nucleic acids on the reaction with hypochlorite using the example of the three most common and biologically significant types of nucleic acids (NA): double-stranded DNA in the B-form, single-stranded RNA, and nucleotide phosphates. It was found that the rate of the initial stage of the reaction of hypochlorite with endocyclic nitrogen atoms depends on the presence/absence of base pairing in the NA structure. At the same time, the polymeric structure of NC significantly accelerates and increases the efficiency of the subsequent stages of the reaction associated with the chlorination of exocyclic nitrogen atoms and the destruction of the ring structure of nitrogenous bases.

Sustainable energy harvesting and on-site disinfection of natural seawater using reverse electrodialysis

Seawater is a cost-effective and abundant electrolyte used as an electrode rinse solution to enable optimum utilization of reverse electrodialysis (RED). However, it is associated with several limitations, including the use of precious electrode materials, and its long-term stability must be addressed prior to its application in the field of seawater technology. In this context, a novel RED based on carbon electrodes was designed, and the experimental conditions were optimized for maximizing the harvesting of energy with aquaculture wastewater disinfection and recycling. The power obtained by RED, with a current density of 30 A/m2 and a flow rate of 424 mL/min, designed by response surface methodology, was in good agreement with the predicted maximum power density (0.64 W/m2). The treatment was sustainable, mainly due to an anodic reaction of electro-generated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) under natural conditions, which afforded a high disinfection efficiency (above 99.5 ± 0.2% within 1 min under continuous flow (pH 8)), even under real seawater conditions and in aquaculture wastewater. Simultaneously, a stable power of 0.1 ± 0.03 W (0.25 ± 0.07 W/m2) generated a reasonable specific energy (within 0.02 kWh/m3). Inorganic fouling was efficiently suppressed using a surface-modified carbon cathode for 680 h. Thus, the on-site seawater disinfection by RED described herein is practically feasible and could offer a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to seawater recycling.

Enhanced electrochemical disinfection of domestic aquaculture wastewater with energy production in reverse electrodialysis

Reverse electrodialysis (RED), based on non-precious electrodes, was applied to disinfect domestic aquaculture wastewater. It was found that treatment could be achieved either by an anodic reaction of electro-generated sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or via a cathodic reaction of electro-generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Without circulation, the disinfection rate was sub-optimal and depended on the anodic and cathodic reactions, reaching 82 ± 5% at the anode (0.3–2.9 mg/L of chlorineDPD, pH 3.2 ± 0.4) and 59 ± 7% at the cathode (2.9–8.7 mg/L of H2O2, pH 10.7 ± 0.3). In contrast, a high removal efficiency of ≥99 ± 1% was obtained when anodic and cathodic solutions were circulated due to the synergetic effect between HClO and H2O2 (0.1–2.1 mg/L of chlorineDPD, 3.9–4.9 mg/L of H2O2, pH 7.8 ± 0.2). Both operating modes resulted in a stable power production of 6 ± 0.5 W/m2. These results support the view that RED can offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for disinfecting aquaculture wastewater.

Exploring Chemical Kinetics at Home in Times of Pandemic: Following the Bleaching of Food Dye Allura Red Using a Smartphone

In this communication, a remote experimental activity in chemical kinetics is described, taking into account the quantification based on the optical sensor of a smartphone. The objective pursued herein is to equip students with the appropriate tools and strategies required to empirically determine the parameters of the rate law including reaction orders, rate constant (k), frequency factor (A), and activation energy (Ea). Typical results of the proposed protocol are shown and discussed in the framework of the bleaching reaction of food dye allura red (RD40) and hypochlorite, as a representative example. A graphical approach of the concentration vs time data measured under the experimental condition where [RD40] ≪ [ClO–] (isolation method) suggests a first-order kinetics with respect to the dye. In addition, the analysis of the pseudo-first-order constant (kobs) shows a first-order relationship with respect to ClO–. In addition, using the two-point form of the Arrhenius equation, values of 3.22 × 107 s/M and 44.55 kJ/mol were obtained for A and Ea, respectively. Interestingly, all the kinetic parameters (reaction orders, k, A, and Ea) are on the same order of magnitude as those previously reported in the literature and acquired with more sophisticated and accurate equipment. This experience provides evidence that it is possible to proceed with remote experimental activities to deepen the collection and analysis of kinetic data during a pandemic.

Hypochlorite-induced aggregation of fibrinogen underlies a novel antioxidant role in blood plasma

Fibrinogen, a major constituent of blood plasma, is highly susceptible to reaction with biological oxidants. It has been proposed that fibrinogen plays a role in antioxidant defence, but oxidation of fibrinogen is also known to disrupt normal blood clotting and is implicated in the pathology of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we show that the biological oxidant hypochlorite promotes the formation of soluble high molecular weight fibrinogen assemblies ≥40 × 106 Da, that do not accumulate when fibrinogen is induced to aggregate by other stresses such as heating or hydroxyl-mediated damage in vitro. Hypochlorite-modified fibrinogen is stable at 37 °C as assessed by precipitation assays, and has reduced susceptibility to iron-induced (hydroxyl-mediated) precipitation compared to native fibrinogen. In contrast to hypochlorite-modified albumin, which is known to be immunostimulatory, hypochlorite-modified fibrinogen does not induce RAW 264.7 (macrophage-like) cells or EOC 13.31 (microglia-like) cells to produce reactive oxygen species or induce cell death. Furthermore, depletion of fibrinogen from human blood plasma increases the immunostimulatory property of blood plasma after it is supplemented with hypochlorite in situ. We propose that reaction of hypochlorite with fibrinogen in blood plasma potentially reduces the accumulation of other hypochlorite-modified species such as immunostimulatory hypochlorite-modified albumin. The latter represent a novel role for fibrinogen in blood plasma antioxidant defence.

Density Functional Theory-Based Quantum Mechanics/Coarse-Grained Molecular Mechanics: Theory and Implementation.

Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) is a standard computational tool for describing chemical reactivity in systems with many degrees of freedom, including polymers, enzymes, and reacting molecules in complex solvents. However, QM/MM is less suitable for systems with complex MM dynamics due to associated long relaxation times, the high computational cost of QM energy evaluations, and expensive long-range electrostatics. Recently, a systematic coarse graining of the MM part was proposed to overcome these QM/MM limitations in the form of the quantum mechanics/coarse-grained molecular mechanics (QM/CG-MM) approach. Herein, we recast QM/CG-MM in the density functional theory formalism and, by employing the force-matching variational principle, assess the method performance for the two model systems: QM CCl4 in the MM CCl4 liquid and the reaction of tert-butyl hypochlorite with the benzyl radical in the MM CCl4 solvent. We find that density functional theory (DFT)-QM/CG-MM accurately reproduces DFT-QM/MM radial distribution functions and three-body correlations between the QM and CG-MM subsystems. The free-energy profile of the reaction is also described well, with an error <1-2 kcal/mol. DFT-QM/CG-MM is a general, systematic, and computationally efficient approach to include chemical reactivity in coarse-grained molecular models.

Formation Mechanism of Bleaching Damage for a Biopolymer: Differences between Sodium Hypochlorite and Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Methods for Shellac.

Bleached shellac, a widely used material in food processing and products, was deeply affected in terms of structures and properties by the bleaching method. In the present study, a marked difference was observed between the damage performances of sodium hypochlorite-bleached shellac (SHBS) and hydrogen peroxide-bleached shellac (HPBS). The main bleaching damage reactions of sodium hypochlorite were the addition of double bonds to generate chlorine and the oxidation of hydroxyl to form aldehydes or ketones. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, degradation of shellac resin was caused by the hydrolysis of ester bonds and the oxidation of hydroxyl groups to form aldehydes and ketones, as well as carboxylic acids with deep oxidation. Based on the structural characterization of shellac resin, the bleaching damages were affected by the bleaching agent via the oxidizable groups, such as the unsaturated double bonds, hydroxyl and aldehyde groups in cyclic terpenes, and fatty acid chains. The differences could be attributed to the action of sodium hypochlorite on the hydroxyl group of aldehyde or ketone. Conversely, hydrogen peroxide bleaching oxidized the hydroxyl group and aldehyde group to carboxylic acid and initiated the hydrolysis reaction of the ester bond of the shellac resin, leading to the degradation of the resin. Thus, understanding the mechanism underlying the bleaching damage could provide a scientific basis for the subsequent targeted regulation of bleaching damage.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite on nucleic acids of different primary and secondary structures

The effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) on nucleic acids (NAs) was investigated. The effect of biomolecular structure on resistance to hypochlorite was analysed: plasmid bacterial DNA, calf thymus DNA, synthetic polyadenylic-uridic acid samples were studied, as well as individual nucleotides (adenosine-5’-tetraphosphoric acid and guanosin-2’, 3-cyclophosphoric acid). The effect of sodium hypochlorite on DNA was investigated depending on the concentrations of the components. We have also performed detailed analysis of the kinetics of the reaction between the NAs and NaClO. It was found that both the destruction of the secondary structure of DNA (denaturation) and the chemical modification of nitrogenous bases, presumably chlorination, occur. Presence of a stable double-stranded structure of DNA slows down the chemical reaction of sodium hypochlorite with nitrogenous bases of DNA.

Oxidation of isoprothiolane by ozone and chlorine: Reaction kinetics and mechanism

Isoprothiolane (IPT) was one of the most commonly used pesticides around the world. It was reported to be the highest concentration and frequency of detection of 13 most commonly used pesticides in Mekong Delta recently. The oxidation degradation kinetic of ozone and chlorine with IPT and the identification of the degradation products was investigated in this research. The results showed that both ozone and chlorine oxidized IPT rapidly under typical water treatment condition, and that both reactions followed second order reaction kinetics. The ozone reaction rates exhibited no pH dependence with the rate constant of 247.1 (±11.0) M−1s−1 at 25 °C, whereas chlorine reaction rates increased dramatically with decreasing pH. The rate constant for hypochloric acid was 73.3 (±3.1) M−1s−1 at 25 °C, while the reaction of hypochlorite was negligible. The degradation products by chlorine and ozone were identified by LC-MS/MS and the reaction pathways were proposed. The thioether and the carbon-carbon double bond in IPT were the reactive sites during chlorine and ozone oxidation. The thioether group was oxidized into sulfoxide and further sulfone group, and the carbon-carbon double bone were cleaved to form diisopropyl ester of malonic acid, diisopropyl ester of tartronic acid and diisopropyl ester of ketomalonic acid monohydrate. Compared to ozone reaction, it was more complicated for chlorine reaction, which yielded chlorine substituted, hydroxylated and dithiolane ring-opening products.

Investigation of p-chloroaniline formation in the reactions between different endodontic irrigants

The aim of this study was to determine whether p-chloroaniline (PCA) is formed in the reactions of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with final rinse chlorhexidine (CHX), QMix (combination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), CHX and detergent) and EDTA/CHX solutions by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Commercially available 5.25% NaOCl solution was mixed with 2% CHX and QMix in 1:1 (v/v) ratio at room temperature. Furthermore, 2% CHX was associated with 17% EDTA under the same experimental conditions. The obtained solutions were evaluated qualitatively for color changing, precipitate and/or bubble formation and analyzed by TLC chromatography. The association products were investigated by spectroscopic (1H NMR and IR) methods in order to determine whether they contain PCA. It was found that interactions between NaOCl/CHX and CHX/EDTA led to forming of brown and white precipitate. When NaOCl was mixed with QMix, an orange-brown precipitate was formed. PCA was not detected as a product of the reactions between NaOCl and final rinse solutions of CHX, QMix and EDTA/CHX association.

Chromographic Analysis and Cytotoxic Effects of Chlorhexidine and Sodium Hypochlorite Reaction Mixtures

IntroductionThe literature reveals controversies regarding the formation of para-chloroaniline (PCA) when chlorhexidine (CHX) is mixed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This study aimed to investigate the stability of PCA in the presence of NaOCl and to examine the in vitro cytotoxic effects of CHX/NaOCl reaction mixtures. MethodsDifferent volumes of NaOCl were added to CHX (mix 1) or PCA (mix 2). Upon centrifugation, the supernatant and precipitate fractions collected from samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The cytotoxic effects of both fractions were examined on human periodontal ligament and 3T3 fibroblast cell lines. ResultsHigh-performance liquid chromatographic analysis showed no PCA signal when NaOCl was mixed with CHX (mix 1). In mix 2, the intensity of PCA was decreased when NaOCl was added to PCA, and chromatographic signals, similar to that of CHX/NaOCl, were also observed. The mortality of precipitates exerted on both cell lines was lower compared with that of supernatants. ConclusionsThe discrepancy in the data from the literature could be caused by the instability of the PCA in the presence of NaOCl. The CHX/NaOCl reaction mixture exhibits a wide range of cytotoxic effects.

Inhalational Chlorine Injuries at Public Aquatic Venues - California, 2008-2015.

In June 2015, personnel from California's Contra Costa Health Services Environmental Health and Hazardous Materials (hazmat) divisions were alerted to a possible chemical release at a swimming pool in an outdoor municipal water park. Approximately 50 bathers were in the pool when symptoms began; 34 (68%) experienced vomiting, coughing, or eye irritation. Among these persons, 17 (50%) were treated at the scene by Contra Costa's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and released, and 17 (50%) were transported to local emergency departments; five patients also were evaluated later at an emergency department or by a primary medical provider. Environmental staff members determined that a chemical controller malfunction had allowed sodium hypochlorite and muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) solutions to be injected into the main pool recirculation line while the recirculation pump was off; when the main recirculation pump was restarted, toxic chlorine gas (generated by the reaction of concentrated sodium hypochlorite and muriatic acid) was released into the pool. A review of 2008-2015 California pesticide exposure records identified eight additional such instances of toxic chlorine gas releases at public aquatic venues caused by equipment failure or human error that sickened 156 persons. Chemical exposures at public aquatic venues can be prevented by proper handling, storage, and monitoring of pool chemicals; appropriate equipment operation and maintenance; training of pool operators and staff members on pool chemical safety; and reporting of chemical exposures.

The use of novel optode sensor technologies for monitoring dissolved carbon dioxide and ammonia concentrations under live haul conditions

Fish health under live haul transportation on wellboats and in other recirculating aquaculture systems depends on frequent and reliable measurements of water quality, that may change in response to changes in the environmental conditions and treatment processes. While reliable technologies exist for sensors measuring some water quality parameters such as Oxygen concentration and salinity, there is a lack of sensor technologies for the measurement of other critical water quality parameters such as water pCO2 and NH3 concentrations. Presented is the theory of operation and performance of prototype optical sensors for the measurement of pCO2 and NH3, as well as the methods used for their calibration and characterization. In order to evaluate the sensor’s suitability for aquaculture applications we temporarily installed the sensors on a wellboat and monitored the water quality during the transportation of live mature Atlantic salmon between fish farms and slaughter facilities on the Norwegian coast. Under transportation with different stocking weights and recirculation conditions, the CO2 optode prototypes recorded measurements that coincided with measurements from standard laboratory analysis of spot samples. The pCO2 concentration in the well throughout the testing was shown to vary between approximately 300μatm and 20 000μatm. Compared to the pH derived pCO2 estimation method widely applied in aquaculture, the CO2 optode was more sensitive to small fluctuations in CO2 concentration, and gave measurements closer to the CO2 values recorded by laboratory analysis of spot samples. The NH3 optode reported measurements that were consistent with spot samples analyzed using the salicylate–hypochlorite reaction. In contrast to pCO2, the concentration of NH3 during the observed wellboat missions was found to be very low and stable at 0.8±0.3μgL−1. Once fully developed, the CO2 and NH3 optodes could contribute to better water quality control and efficiency during well boat transportations and other recirculating aquaculture systems.

On the use of peroxy-caged luciferin (PCL-1) probe for bioluminescent detection of inflammatory oxidants in vitro and in vivo – Identification of reaction intermediates and oxidant-specific minor products

Peroxy-caged luciferin (PCL-1) probe was first used to image hydrogen peroxide in living systems (Van de Bittner et al., 2010 [9]). Recently this probe was shown to react with peroxynitrite more potently than with hydrogen peroxide (Sieracki et al., 2013 [11]) and was suggested to be a more suitable probe for detecting peroxynitrite under in vivo conditions. In this work, we investigated in detail the products formed from the reaction between PCL-1 and hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, and peroxynitrite. HPLC analysis showed that hydrogen peroxide reacts slowly with PCL-1, forming luciferin as the only product. Hypochlorite reaction with PCL-1 yielded significantly less luciferin, as hypochlorite oxidized luciferin to form a chlorinated luciferin. Reaction between PCL-1 and peroxynitrite consists of a major and minor pathway. The major pathway results in luciferin and the minor pathway produces a radical-mediated nitrated luciferin. Radical intermediate was characterized by spin trapping. We conclude that monitoring of chlorinated and nitrated products in addition to bioluminescence in vivo will help identify the nature of oxidant responsible for bioluminescence derived from PCL-1.

Oxidative Degradation of Methylene Blue in Aqueous Medium Catalyzed by Lab Prepared Nickel Hydroxide

Abstract This study explores the lab prepared nickel hydroxide catalyzed oxidative degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) in aqueous medium using batch reactor. Nickel hydroxide was prepared by reaction of sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide and nickel sulphate hexahydrate in distilled water. The catalytic oxidative degradation of Methylene Blue was explored in terms of various parameters like effect of time, hydrogen peroxide, temperature, initial concentration of dye, catalyst dosage and effect of speed of agitation on degradation of Methylene Blue. Experimental data was subjected to kinetics analysis using Curve Expert software. Degradation reaction was taking place according to Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. According to this mechanism the reactants adsorb at the surface of catalyst in first step followed by chemical reaction between adsorbed reactants in second step. Catalyst was heterogeneous in nature which was separated by simple filtration easily.

Halogenated volatile organic compounds in chlorine-bleach-containing household products and implications for their use

It was recently shown that substantial amounts of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are formed in chlorine-bleach-containing household products as a result of reactions of sodium hypochlorite with organic product components. Use of these household products results in elevated indoor air halogenated VOC concentrations. Halogenated VOCs in several chlorine-bleach-containing household products (plain, n = 9; fragranced, n = 4; and surfactant-added, n = 29) from Europe and North America were measured in the present study. Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were the dominating compounds having average concentrations of 9.5 ± 29.0 (average ± SD) and 23.2 ± 44.3 (average ± SD) mg L−1, respectively. Halogenated VOC concentrations were the lowest in plain bleach, slightly higher in fragranced products and the highest in the surfactant-added products. Investigation of the relationship between the halogenated VOCs and several product ingredients indicated that chlorinated VOC formation is closely related to product composition. Indoor air concentrations from the household use of bleach products (i.e., bathroom, kitchen, and hallway cleaning) were estimated for the two dominating VOCs (chloroform and carbon tetrachloride). Estimated indoor concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 1030 (34 ± 123, average ± SD) μg m−3 and 0.3–1124 (82 ± 194, average ± SD) μg m−3 for chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, respectively, indicating substantial increases compared to background. Results indicated that indoor air concentrations from surfactant-added products were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than other categories. The highest concentrations were from the use of surfactant-added bleach products for bathroom cleaning (92 ± 228 and 224 ± 334 μg m−3, average ± SD for chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, respectively). Associated carcinogenic risks from the use of these products were also estimated. The risk levels may reach to considerably high levels for a significant portion of the population especially for those steadily using the surfactant-added bleach products. Based on the results of the present study, it could be recommended that if possible the use of chlorine bleach containing household products should be avoided. If they are to be used, plain products should be preferred since the chlorinated VOC content increase with the number and amount of additives.

Experimental process analysis and mathematical modeling for selective gold leaching from slag through wet chlorination

The aim of this paper consists in defining optimal conditions of controlled and selective gold leaching contained in copper–gold slag, by wet chlorination. Studies were conducted on three types of copper–gold slag, resulting as by-products from pyrometallurgical processing of non-ferrous raw materials. Due to high levels of copper in slag, an oxidative pre-treatment is necessary to separate gold from accompanying elements and also for copper recovery. After nitric acid pre-treatment, nearly 87% of Cu was readily extracted, and lead and silver contents in all three types of solid samples have been reduced by 91.34% and 96.29%, respectively. Selective leaching of the solid phase resulting after HNO3 pre-treatment was done by wet chlorination, using nascent chlorine (Cl2) as the leaching agent, with the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl). The chlorine was obtained “in situ” by the reaction of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 5% Cl2) and HCl. In this study, the effect of nitric acid pre-treatment, redox potential (Eh) given by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) consumption, hydrochloric acid concentration, temperature and leaching time have been studied. The potential required for a rapid leaching rate and for avoiding the reduction of gold is 950mV (vs AgCl/Ag(KCl sat)). The 5% NaOCl consumption required for gold leaching from pre-treated samples was lower than NaOCl consumption necessary for original sample leaching. The highest gold extraction yield (98%) was obtained after 6h at ambient temperature, solid/liquid ratio (w/v) 1:2 and 4M HCl. In order to explain experimental results a mathematical model of the simultaneous gold, copper, lead and silver dissolution has been developed. It considers at particle level, the competition between surface reaction and the diffusion of the active species by a gel coating that covers the dissolving particle.