Chlor-alkali industry
Industrial Chemistry · Chemistry
Study notes
Why must Cl₂ and NaOH be kept apart in chlor-alkali cells? Step 1: Anode makes Cl₂; cathode makes NaOH + H₂. Step 2: If mixed: Cl₂ + 2NaOH → NaCl + NaOCl + H₂O (bleach — product lost!). Step 3: Membrane/diaphragm separates compartments. Step 4: Separation preserves products — membranes make money!