Tuesday, October 30, 2018

electrochemistry - Why is chloride oxidised instead of water in copper chloride electrolysis?


For the Electrolysis of Copper Chloride:


Cathode: CuX2++2eXCu
Anode: 2ClClX2+2eX



I am confused about the reaction taking place at the anode. Wouldn't HX2O rather undergo oxidation since it has an increased reducing ability? eg. It is above 2ClX on the Table of Standard Reduction Potentials.


Am I missing something? Or do all halogens discharge more readily than water?




No comments:

Post a Comment

periodic trends - Comparing radii in lithium, beryllium, magnesium, aluminium and sodium ions

Apparently the of last four, MgX2+ is closest in radius to LiX+. Is this true, and if so, why would a whole larger shell ($\ce{...