Extraction of Sodium
As sodium is a highly electro positive metal it cannot be prepared by the usual methods of reduction. The metal is extracted by the electrolysis of a molten mixture of NaCl, CaCl 2 and KF in a Downs cell at 600 degree Celsius. The cell has a graphite anode and a circular iron cathode, both covered and with proper outlets. Chlorine liberated at the cathode rises up through a pipe and gets collected in a receiver in the molten state. NaCl ------> Na + + Cl - Na + + e - -------> Na (At cathode) 2Cl - --------> Cl 2 + 2e - (At anode) The electrolysis of NaCl presents some difficulties. The fusion temperature of pure NaCl is 803 degree celsius. At this temperature both Na and Cl 2 are highly corrosive. Addition of CClCl 2 and KF reduce the fusion temperature to 600 degree celsius. Did you Know how the extraction of aluminum is done ? visit for more details extraction of aluminum