2007-04-16 21:47:22 · 4 answers · asked by Parveen N 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I don't know about AlCl3, but when aluminium oxide (not bauxite) is electrolysed to form aluminium the anode burns away because:
1. They have yet to find a cost effective material that will survive the temperatures and corrosive chemical conditions in a smelter cell.
2. The burning of the carbon-carbon electrode actually frovides some of the chemical energy for the reduction reaction so reducing the amount of electricity for the smelting process.
2007-04-19 20:49:06 · answer #1 · answered by beernutuk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a little confused. Using AlCl3 as the molten elecrolyte there would be Cl2 at the anode and it would remain intact.
The main process involves electrolysis of the oxide (from bauxite) dissolved in molten cryolite. The anode product is oxygen which burns the anode away as CO2
2007-04-17 12:11:43 · answer #2 · answered by lykovetos 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The electrolyis of Aluminum chloride involves it being dissolve in chrysolite, which contains oxygen to lower the temperature in which is is made to melt. During electrolysis, oxygen is released. The high temperature plus oxygen burns away the carbon anodes.
2007-04-17 04:53:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chlorine gas is the anode product, and this reacts with the carbon at the temperature of the electrolysis:
C + 2Cl2 -----> CCl4
2007-04-17 04:50:36 · answer #4 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋