electrolysis of carbonates

Li Chun Hon

2010-10-22 8:04 am

is it possible to electrolyze molten / dissolved carbonates? why?
if possible, what are the products? (e.g. calcium carbonate)
if impossible, why? why carbonate ion cannot be oxidized and discharged?

更新1:

is this possible? : 2CO3 ^ 2- -> 2CO2 + O2 + 4e-

回答 (1)

己式庚辛

2010-10-23 12:38 pm

✔ 最佳答案

most of carbonates are unstable to heat.
they probably decompose before melting occurs.

for soluble carbonates like sodium carbonate, carbonate ion is a very, very weak oxidizing agent ---- i haven't heard of any (though magnesium can burn in carbon dioxide). when dissolved in water, hydrogen ion is always preferentially discharged over carbonate ion.

on the other hand, carbonate cannot act as reducing agent, as the carbon has attained highest possible oxidation state (+IV). further weird reduction is not probable.

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