Question:

In the Chlor-alkali process, the main products are:

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Remember the prefix "Chlor-" refers to chlorine gas (\(\text{Cl}_2\)) produced at the anode, and "-alkali" refers to caustic soda (NaOH) formed at the cathode.
Hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)) is always co-produced at the cathode as a valuable high-purity by-product.
Updated On: Jul 3, 2026
  • HCl and NaOH
  • \(\text{Cl}_2\), \(\text{H}_2\), and NaOH
  • NaCl and \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)
  • \(\text{Cl}_2\) and NaCl
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary co-products generated during the industrial Chlor-alkali process.
The Chlor-alkali process is one of the largest electrochemical technologies in the world, producing key inorganic chemicals.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The Chlor-alkali process is based on the electrolysis of saturated aqueous sodium chloride (brine) solution.
The overall electrochemical reaction is:
\[ 2\text{NaCl}(aq) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \xrightarrow{\text{electrolysis}} 2\text{NaOH}(aq) + \text{Cl}_2(g) + \text{H}_2(g) \]

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the reactions occurring at the electrodes inside the electrolytic cell:
1. At the Anode (positive electrode), chloride ions are oxidized to chlorine gas:
\[ 2\text{Cl}^-(aq) \to \text{Cl}_2(g) + 2e^- \] 2. At the Cathode (negative electrode), water molecules are reduced to hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions:
\[ 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + 2e^- \to \text{H}_2(g) + 2\text{OH}^-(aq) \] 3. The sodium ions (\(\text{Na}^+\)) present in the brine combine with the generated hydroxide ions (\(\text{OH}^-\)) to form a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in the cathode compartment:
\[ \text{Na}^+(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \to \text{NaOH}(aq) \] These reactions are kept separate using a membrane, diaphragm, or mercury cathode to prevent the chlorine gas from reacting with the sodium hydroxide, which would otherwise form sodium hypochlorite.
Thus, the three primary industrial products obtained simultaneously are chlorine gas (\(\text{Cl}_2\)), hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)), and caustic soda (NaOH).

Step 4: Final Answer
The main products are \(\text{Cl}_2\), \(\text{H}_2\), and NaOH, corresponding to option (B).
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