Consider the following statements regarding the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine): 1. Chlorine gas is liberated at the anode during the process. 2. Hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode while sodium metal is simultaneously deposited. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, chloride ions are oxidized at the anode to release chlorine gas, while water molecules are reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions, leaving sodium ions in solution rather than depositing reactive sodium metal. Statement two is incorrect because sodium metal cannot be deposited from aqueous solutions due to its high reactivity and preferential reduction of water. This industrial chlor-alkali process is fundamental for producing caustic soda and chlorine.