Draw and label an electrolytic cell suitable for electrolysing molten CaCl2. Write down the anode and cathode reactions, and specify the products of the electrolysis.
Would it be possible to obtain calcium metal from the electrolysis of aqueous CaCl2? Explain.
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Now this is what I’ve got so far:
(Ca^2) calcium ions migrate towards the negative catjpde/
Ca^2 + 2e- < -> Ca
(Cl2) Chloride ionsmigrate towards the positive anode.
2Cl < -> 2e- + Cl2
The overall cell reaction is
Ca^2 + 2Cl- —> Ca + 2Cl2
But I’m not sure if it’s right, and I don’t know how to answer the second part of the question.
One Response
This is essentially correct as far as you have gotten. The answer to the second part of the question is no. Reduction of a water solution of CaCl2 will result in H2 being produced at the cathode because the reduction potential is much lower than that of the Ca+2 ion.