Electrolysis of Molten Ionic Compounds Flashcards
All 4 cards in this deck
What are the steps to predict the products of electrolysis of a molten binary ionic compound?
e.g. molten lead bromide- The metal ion is positive, so the metal forms at the cathode (negative electrode): lead.
- The non-metal ion is negative, so the non-metal forms at the anode (positive electrode): bromine.
What is meant by an inert electrode?
An electrode that does not react with the electrolyte or the products, e.g. graphite (carbon) or platinum.
Why must the two products be kept apart during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?
So that the products do not react together and reform sodium chloride.
True or false? When molten zinc chloride is electrolysed, zinc is produced at the positive electrode.
False. The metal is produced at the negative electrode (cathode); chlorine forms at the positive electrode.