Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 10: Problem 11

Discuss the manufacture of sodium hydroxide.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sodium hydroxide is primarily manufactured through the Chloralkali process. This involves the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution (brine), where the chloride ions form chlorine gas at the anode, and the sodium ions react with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas at the cathode. The sodium hydroxide solution is then concentrated by evaporation, followed by cooling and crystallization.

Step by step solution

01

Brine Preparation

A brine solution is prepared by dissolving salt (sodium chloride) in water. This mixture is then purified to remove any impurities.
02

Electrolysis Process

The brine solution undergoes electrolysis using either a Mercury cell, a Diaphragm cell, or a Membrane cell. These processes separate the sodium ions and chloride ions.
03

Chlorine and Hydrogen Generation

When an electricity is applied, it causes the chloride ions to move towards the anode and give up their electrons to form chlorine gas. The positively charged sodium ions migrate towards the cathode, where they react with the water molecules to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
04

Concentration of Sodium Hydroxide Solution

The sodium hydroxide formed is a diluted solution. This is then concentrated by evaporating the water until a solution of the desired concentration is achieved.
05

Cooling and Crystallization

The concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide is then cooled which results in the crystallization of sodium hydroxide. These crystals are then harvested for use.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Justify the following: (a) Lithium forms the normal oxide whereas potassium forms the super oxide an burning in air. (b) The melting point gap between lithium and sodium is maximum.

What is diagonal relationship? How do lithium and magnesium show similar chemical behaviour?

Write complete balanced equation for the reaction of the following compounds with water. (a) \(\mathrm{Li}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (b) NaH (c) \(\mathrm{NaNH}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{2}\) (e) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\)

What is a microcosmic salt? How is it prepared?

Give reason for the following: (a) Group 1 elements are strong reducing agents but poor complexing agents. (b) Caesium is used in photoelectric cells. (c) Sodium metal is kept under kerosene oil. (d) Lithium shows anomalous behaviour. (e) LiF is insoluble in water.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free