Tuesday, October 30, 2018

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


For the Electrolysis of Copper Chloride:


Cathode: $\ce{Cu^{2+} + 2e- <=> Cu}$
Anode: $\ce{2Cl <=> Cl2 + 2e- }$



I am confused about the reaction taking place at the anode. Wouldn't $\ce{H2O}$ rather undergo oxidation since it has an increased reducing ability? eg. It is above $\ce{2Cl-}$ on the Table of Standard Reduction Potentials.


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




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