Which of the following reactions is used for the industrial preparation of sodium hydroxide?
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A.
Heating sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide
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B.
Reaction of sodium with water
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C.
Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution
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D.
Decomposition of sodium bicarbonate
Correct Answer:
C. Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution
Explanation:
The industrial preparation of sodium hydroxide is primarily achieved through the electrolysis of a concentrated sodium chloride solution, commonly known as brine. This method, called the chlor-alkali process, utilizes an electrolytic cell to drive a chemical reaction that decomposes the salt water. During this procedure, an electric current passes through the brine, causing chloride ions to be oxidized into chlorine gas at the anode, while water is reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions. These hydroxide ions then pair with the remaining sodium ions in the solution to form sodium hydroxide. Modern industrial facilities typically employ membrane or diaphragm cells to ensure the products remain separate and to maintain high purity. While alternative methods like heating sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide exist historically, the electrolysis of brine remains the dominant commercial standard due to its efficiency and the valuable production of chlorine and hydrogen as by-products.
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