Question

When a solution of sodium chloride containing ethyl alcohol is electrolyzed, it forms
A. Ethyl alcohol
B. Chloral
C. Chloroform
D. Acetaldehyde

Answer 1

Hint: In this given question we need to identify from the above given options that which of them will be produced when the solution of sodium chloride and ethyl alcohol is passed through electricity. Electrolysis means the process in which we use electric current to perform a reaction. The electric current helps in decomposition of compounds.

Complete step-by-step answer:When a solution of sodium chloride which also contains ethyl alcohol is electrolyzed, it forms chloroform.
The electrolysis reaction of sodium chloride gives chlorine and sodium hydroxide as products.
Ethyl alcohol when reacts with chlorine and sodium hydroxide gives haloform reaction.
$C{H_3}C{H_2}OH + 4C{l_2} + 6NaOH \to CHC{l_3} + HCOONa + 5NaCl$
In the above reaction, ethanol will react with chlorine and sodium hydroxide to give out chloroform, sodium formate and sodium chloride as products.

Option ‘C’ is correct

Additional Information: Now let us discuss about the chemical compound, Chloroform. It has no color. It is a liquid that quickly evaporates into gaseous form. It is always stored in a dark colored container for this reason. Chloroform can be highly toxic if inhaled or consumed. Boiling point of chloroform is near ${61.2^ \circ }C$. Molar mass of chloroform is $119.38\,g/mol$.

Note: The reaction involved between solution of sodium chloride and ethyl alcohol in the presence of electricity first undergoes electrolysis reaction, then undergoes in haloform reaction.