Magnesium is commercially extracted by the electrometallurgy of fused Carnallite ore. Assuming effic — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The chemical formula for Carnallite is $KCl \cdot MgCl_2 \cdot 6H_2O$. Upon dehydration, 1 mole of anhydrous Carnallite contains exactly 1 mole of $MgCl_2$. Electrolysis of this 1 mole of $MgCl_2$ yields 1 mole of Magnesium metal at the cathode via the reaction $Mg^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow Mg_{(l)}$.