Question

In which of the following process fused sodium chloride is electrolysed for extraction of sodium?

• A. Castner process
• B. Cyanide process
• C. Downs process
• D. Both (2) and (3)

Answer 1

The correct option is C Downs process

On industrial scale sodium metal is extracted by "Down's Process".

PRINCIPLE:Down's Process is based on the electrolysis of fused NaCl.

CONSTRUCTION OF DOWN'S CELL:

• Down's cell consists of a rectangular container of steel.
  
• Inside of the tank is lined with firebricks.
  
• Anode is a graphite rod which projects centrally up through the base of the cell.
  
• Cathode is a ring of iron, which surrounds the anode.
  
• The anode and cathode are separated from each other by a cylindrical steel gauze diaphragm so that Na and $C{l}_2$ are kept apart.
• A bell like hood is submerged over the anode.