Value of standard electrode potential for the oxidation of Cl – ion is more positive than that of water, even then in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution, why is Cl – oxidised at anode instead of water?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

The oxidation of water at anode requires over potential in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, so Cl^- ion is oxidized at the anode. The overpotential condition is due to kinetically slow oxidation of water.

The overpotential of water is greater than the standard potential for the oxidation of Cl^- ion.

Thus, chloride ion gets oxidized at the anode in electrolysis of aqueous NaCl.

Value of standard electrode potential for the oxidation of Cl– ion is more positive than that of water, even then in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution, why is Cl– oxidised at anode instead of water?

Value of standard electrode potential for the oxidation of Cl^– ion is more positive than that of water, even then in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution, why is Cl^– oxidised at anode instead of water?