Electrolysis of NaCl: Na+ + Cl- to NaOH + Cl2

[plexus0208]

Homework Statement

Why does electrolysis of molten NaCl yield sodium and chlorine, while electrolysis of a solution of NaCl in water yields sodium hydroxide and chlorine.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Is it because H⁺ is more readily reduced than Na⁺?

2H⁺ + 2e --> H₂ E^o= 0
2Cl^- --> Cl₂ + 2e E^o=-1.358

Thus, 2H⁺ + 2Cl^- --> Cl₂ H₂ E^o_rxn=-1.358 V

And so 2H+ --> H₂, leaving OH^- behind in place of Cl^-

 

[Borek]

Any ideas? You see, that template that you should use is not a joke, but a tool to force you follow forum rules.

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methods

 

[plexus0208]

Is it because H⁺ is more readily reduced than Na⁺?

2H⁺ + 2e --> H₂ E^o= 0
2Cl^- --> Cl₂ + 2e E^o=-1.358

Thus, 2H⁺ + 2Cl^- --> Cl₂ H₂ E^o_rxn=-1.358 V

And so 2H+ --> H₂, leaving OH^- behind in place of Cl^-

 

[Borek]

Is it because H⁺ is more readily reduced than Na⁺?

Yes. Note that further discussion is irrelevant, as you should compare reduction potentials of H⁺ and Na⁺, chlorine reaction doesn't change.

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methods