The value of the standard electrode potential for the oxidation of $Cl^{-}$ ions is more positive than that of water. Even then,in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride,why is $Cl^{-}$ oxidized at the anode instead of water?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The oxidation reactions at the anode are:
$(i)$ $Cl_{(aq)}^{-} \rightarrow \frac{1}{2} Cl_{2(g)} + e^{-}$; $E^{\circ} = 1.36 \ V$
$(ii)$ $2H_{2}O_{(l)} \rightarrow O_{2(g)} + 4H_{(aq)}^{+} + 4e^{-}$; $E^{\circ} = 1.23 \ V$
Although the standard oxidation potential of water $(1.23 \ V)$ is lower than that of $Cl^{-}$ $(1.36 \ V)$,which theoretically suggests water should be oxidized,the oxidation of $Cl^{-}$ is observed.
This occurs due to the 'overpotential' of oxygen. The evolution of oxygen gas at the anode requires an extra potential (overpotential) beyond the standard value,making the effective potential for water oxidation significantly higher than $1.36 \ V$. Consequently,$Cl^{-}$ ions are preferentially oxidized to $Cl_{2}$ gas.

Explore More

Similar Questions

At $298 \ K$ temperature,if $E^o_{Mg^{2+}|Mg} = -2.37 \ V$ and $E^o_{Co^{2+}|Co} = -0.28 \ V$,construct a galvanic cell and provide its symbolic representation.

The extent of charge of a lead accumulator is determined by

How do the ions transfer between solutions in an electrochemical cell?

The cell reaction of the galvanic cell $Cu_{(s)} | Cu^{2+}_{(aq)} || Hg^{2+}_{(aq)} | Hg_{(l)}$ is

Match List – $I$ (Laws) with the List – $II$ (Mathematical expression):
List – $I$List – $II$
$(a)$ Henry’s law$(i)$ $p_1 = x_1 p_1^o$
$(b)$ Raoult’s law(ii) $p = K_H x$
$(c)$ First law of thermodynamics(iii) $\Lambda_m^o = \nu_+ \lambda_+^o + \nu_- \lambda_-^o$
$(d)$ Kohlrausch’s law(iv) $\Delta U = q + w$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo