Question

If molten magnesium chloride is electolysed,suggest a suitable electrode [anode].give reason

Answer 1

in the electrolysis of molten MgCl2 using graphite electrodes, the electrode which is positively charged and towards which the Cl- ions will migrate will be the anode. Following will be the reaction which will occur at anode

2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-

The electrode which is negatively charged and towards which magnesium ions will migrate will be the anode. Following will be the reaction which will occur at cathode

Mg2+ + 2e- → Mg

Thus, we will get magnesium at the cathode and chlorine at the anode.