Can somebody explain me the electrolysis of molten $\ce{NaCl}$ via electrode potential?
Reduction potential of $\ce{Cl-}$ is -1.36 V, while sodium metal is -2.76 V, but still sodium is reduced and not $\ce{Cl-}.$
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Sign up to join this communityCan somebody explain me the electrolysis of molten $\ce{NaCl}$ via electrode potential?
Reduction potential of $\ce{Cl-}$ is -1.36 V, while sodium metal is -2.76 V, but still sodium is reduced and not $\ce{Cl-}.$
The misconception you have in the question is that the concept of tabulated electrode potentials do not apply to molten salts. The values in general chemistry textbooks have been calculated in water under specific concentrations. No need to extrapolate electrode potentials to molten states.