Electrolysis of Brine: Why Does Castner-Kellner Cell Produce Na?

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The discussion centers on the electrolysis of brine using a Castner-Kellner cell, specifically addressing the formation of sodium. It is noted that sodium ions are generally too stable to be reduced in aqueous solutions, even when concentrated. The experiment conducted with a 12V car battery did not yield visible sodium, leading to questions about its reactivity with water. It is clarified that sodium is not produced directly; instead, sodium amalgam is formed, which is a compound where sodium is dissolved in mercury. This amalgam can then react with water to produce sodium hydroxide, explaining the absence of visible sodium during the electrolysis process.
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Electrolysis of Brine...

Why does castner-kellner cell produces Na. I was always told that Na formed too stable an ion to be reduced when it is in aqueous solution even when the solution is concentrated. I myself have carried out this experiment by elecrolysing concentrated aq. Sodium Chloride(Brine) by using a 12V car battery. I could not see any Na formed. If it had formed, I know that it would have reacted with water but if that's the case why couldn't I notice the reaction since Na reacts violently with water?
Thanks on advance for any help...
 
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Not sodium is formed, but sodium amalgam, which reacts with water to produce sodium hydroxide. In amalgam sodium is dissolved in mercury so it is not in a direct contact with water.
 

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