Electrolytic Production of Chlorate
NaCl + 3H2O → NaClO3 + 3H2
Overview
Electrolysis of hot NaCl solution without a membrane allows chlorine produced at the anode to react with hydroxide from the cathode, forming hypochlorite that disproportionates to chlorate at 70–80°C. Sodium chlorate (NaClO₃) is the precursor to chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), the dominant bleaching agent in modern paper mills.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sodium Chloride NaCl | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Water H₂O | 3 | (l) |
Everyday Example
The white paper in your books and notebooks was bleached using chlorine dioxide derived from electrolytically produced sodium chlorate.
Industrial Importance
About 3.6 million tonnes of sodium chlorate are produced annually, primarily for pulp bleaching, herbicides, and water treatment.
Properties
- Type
- Electrochemical
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Endothermic
- ΔH
- 590.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Alkaline Battery Discharge
Anodizing of Aluminum
Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode)
Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis
Chrome Electroplating
Copper Electroplating
Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell)
Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Electrolytic Production of Chlorate?
The balanced equation is: NaCl + 3H₂O → NaClO₃ + 3H₂.
What type of reaction is Electrolytic Production of Chlorate?
Electrolytic Production of Chlorate is a electrochemical reaction.
Is Electrolytic Production of Chlorate exothermic or endothermic?
Electrolytic Production of Chlorate is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 590.0 kJ/mol.