Question

Name the 3 products of the chlor-alkali process.
State two uses of each product
Answer this

Answer 1

Dear student,

Chlor- alkali process is a type of decomposition reaction.
When electricity is passed through an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (called brine), it decomposes to form sodium hydroxide. The process is called the chlor-alkali process because of the products formed- chlor for chlorine and alkali for sodium hydroxide. Following is the chemical equation for the process

2NaCl (aq) + 2H₂O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + Cl₂ (g) + H₂ (g)

Chlorine gas is liberated at the anode while hydrogen gas is liberated at the cathode.

Three products of this process are-
1) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
2) Chlorine gas (Cl₂)
3) Hydrogen gas (H₂)

Uses are as follows-
1) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Used to make soap.
- Used in drain cleaners

2) Chlorine gas (Cl₂)
- Used as a disinfectant
- Used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics.

3) Hydrogen gas (H₂)
- Used in the synthesis of ammonia
- Used as rocket fuel.

Regards