Question

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?

Answer 1

Chlorine can be obtained as the bye-product in case of the following processes-

(i) Manufacturing of the sodium by the Down's process.

(ii) Manufacturing of the sodium hydroxide or the caustic soda in the Nelson's cell. If any aqueous solution of the NaCl is electrolysed, Cl2 would be obtained at anode but at cathode H2 would be obtained.

Answer 2

Down’s process for the manufacture of Na metal When molten NaCl is subjected to electrolysis, chlorine is obtained as a byproduct at anode because in molten state, only {{Na}^{+}} and {{Cl}^{-}} ions are present.