Name the processes from which chlorine is obtained as a by-product. What will happen if an aqueous solution of $NaCl$ is subjected to electrolysis?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Chlorine is obtained as a by-product in the electrolysis of molten $NaCl$ and in the electrolysis of brine $(NaCl_{(aq)})$ in the Chlor-alkali process.
In the electrolysis of molten $NaCl$:
At anode: $2Cl^-_{(melt)} \longrightarrow Cl_{2(g)} + 2e^-$
At cathode: $2Na^+_{(melt)} + 2e^- \longrightarrow 2Na_{(s)}$
If an aqueous solution of $NaCl$ (brine) is subjected to electrolysis,$Cl_2$ gas is obtained at the anode,but at the cathode,$H_2$ gas is evolved instead of $Na$ metal. This is because the standard reduction potential of $Na^+$ $(E^{\circ} = -2.71 \ V)$ is much more negative than that of $H_2O$ $(E^{\circ} = -0.83 \ V)$. Therefore,$H_2O$ is preferentially reduced at the cathode.
At cathode: $2H_2O_{(l)} + 2e^- \longrightarrow H_{2(g)} + 2OH^-_{(aq)}$
At anode: $2Cl^-_{(aq)} \longrightarrow Cl_{2(g)} + 2e^-$

Explore More

Similar Questions

Oxidation of species depends upon its oxidation potential. An oxidation reaction is possible for the species whose $E^{o}$ value is lower. Which of the following reactions occurs at the anode during the electrolysis of aqueous $NaCl$?

Difficult
View Solution

Assertion : $A$ small amount of acid or alkali is added before electrolysis of water.
Reason : Pure water is a weak electrolyte.

What is the electrolysis of molten $NaCl$?

When electric current is passed through a cell having an electrolyte,the positive ions move towards the cathode and the negative ions towards the anode. If the cathode is pulled out of the solution,what happens to the ions?

Which of the following electrolytes can be used to obtain $H_2S_2O_8$ by the process of electrolysis?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo