(a) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon. (b) Explain why an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.
(a) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon. (b) Explain why an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.

Solution:

(a) In addition to carbon, aluminium can be employed as a reducing agent.

(b) When sodium chloride is electrolyzed in an aqueous solution, sodium metal is produced at the cathode and interacts with water to create sodium hydroxide. As a result, electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution yields sodium hydroxide but not sodium metal.