Tetrachloroaurate(III) (AuCl4-)

Tetrachloroaurate (AuCl4-) is an inorganic polyatomic anion containing gold in its +3 oxidation state, typically encountered as the conjugate base of chloroauric acid. While it is not a biological macromolecule target like a receptor or enzyme, it is a significant chemical entity in medicinal inorganic chemistry and nanotechnology, serving as a precursor for gold-based therapeutic agents and diagnostic nanoparticles [PubChem CID 24866]. In biological environments, AuCl4- is highly reactive, frequently undergoing reduction to gold(I) or ligand exchange with sulfur-containing residues on proteins. Its most notable biological effect is the potent inhibition of thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival and redox balance, which has led to extensive research into gold(III) complexes as potential anticancer therapeutics [PMID: 22132717]. However, the clinical utility of simple gold salts like AuCl4- is severely limited by their high reactivity, lack of specificity, and significant systemic toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys and skin.

Other names

Tetrachloroaurate anionGold(III) tetrachlorideChloroaurateTetrachloroaurate(1-)Gold tetrachloride

Tetrachloroaurate(III) acts as a potent oxidizing agent and a precursor to active gold(I) species; it interacts with biological systems primarily by binding to and inhibiting selenocysteine-containing enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which disrupts cellular redox homeostasis and induces apoptosis [PMID: 25686084, 15830914].