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GATE 2024 CH – Question 28

Chemical Technology · Inorganic chemical industries · 1 mark · Multiple select

For the electrolytic cell in a chlor-alkali plant, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. A membrane cell operates at a higher brine concentration than a diaphragm cell.
  2. Chlorine gas is produced at the cathode.
  3. Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.
  4. The caustic product stream exits the cathode compartment.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.; (D) The caustic product stream exits the cathode compartment.

Explanation

In the chlor-alkali process chlorine is produced at the anode (B is false) and hydrogen at the cathode (C is true). Sodium hydroxide forms in the cathode compartment and leaves from it (D is true). The brine concentration of the two cell types is not higher in a membrane cell in a clear way, so A is not taken as correct.