When a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) is subjected to electrolysis, two main reactions can occur at the electrodes.
At the anode, the oxidation of chloride ions (Cl⁻) is favored over the oxidation of water due to the higher concentration of chloride ions in the solution. The reaction at the anode is:
\[ \text{2 Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2(g) + 2 \text{e}^- \]
This means that the product formed at the anode is chlorine gas (Cl₂).
At the cathode, water would typically undergo reduction to produce hydrogen gas, so you would see hydrogen gas (H₂) being released at the cathode.
In summary, during the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride solution, the anode product is chlorine gas (Cl₂).
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