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In a sodium chloride solution, chlorine gas will be created at the anode (positive electrode) by the oxidation of the chloride ion Cl-. At the cathode (negative electrode), water is hydrolysed producing hydroxyl Ions and hydrogen: 1. Anode: |
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| Chemical reactions These gases in turn will react with the water to give hypochlorous acid and a hypochlorite ion, in proportions which depend on the pH of the water. 3. In Neutral to Acidic Conditions:
Cl2 + H20 -----> Cl- + HCIO +H+ The hydrolysis of chlorine into hypochlorous acid, reaction 3, occurs rapidly and is complete in pH values ranging from 7 to 9. The partial dissociation of hypochlorous acid, reaction 4, to a great extent is prevented by a lower pH. The undissociated form is desirable, as it is a better disinfectant than the hypochlorite ion. These chlorine derived compounds are the primary disinfectants produced by the electrolytic process. A number of other competing reactions also take place in the electrolytic cell. |
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