During the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride solution, commonly known as the chlor-alkali process, what valuable products are formed at the cathode and anode respectively?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the chlor-alkali electrolysis process, brine solution yields chlorine gas at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in the electrolytic cell. Sodium metal cannot be deposited from aqueous solutions because hydrogen ions are reduced more easily than sodium ions at the cathode. Sodium hydroxide produced here is vital for soap and paper industries.