In the commercial manufacture of Caustic Soda () using the Castner-Kellner cell, the electrolysis of brine ( solution) is performed using specific electrodes to prevent unwanted side reactions. What i

Question

In the commercial manufacture of Caustic Soda ($NaOH$) using the Castner-Kellner cell, the electrolysis of brine ($NaCl$ solution) is performed using specific electrodes to prevent unwanted side reactions. What is the cathode material used, and what intermediate is formed at this cathode?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. In the Castner-Kellner cell, a mercury cathode is used. ions are discharged preferentially over ions due to the high overvoltage of hydrogen on mercury. This forms a sodium amalgam (), which is then treated with water to yield pure .

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