Question

Elemental sodium is commercially produced by electrolysis of  ____. A valuable by-product, ____, is simultaneously produced during the electrolysis.

Answer 1

Sodium metal is commercially prepared by Down' s proces

molaten Nacl is elctrolyte

Anode   :    carbon or graphite rod

Cathode :   Iron

2NaCl -------------->2 Na^+ +2 Cl^-

at anode

2Cl^- -2e^- ------------------> Cl2 oxidation (cl2 is by product)

at catode

2Na^+ + 2e^- ----------------> 2Na reduction

Elemental sodium is commercially produced by electrolysis of molten NaCl. A valuable by-product, Cl2, is simultaneously produced during the electrolysis.