When melted at high temperatures, sodium chloride separates into sodium and chloride ions so that electrolysis can take place to form sodium atoms and chlorine gas. Read More in Detail: Electrolysis NaCl → Na + (l) + Cl – (l) At cathode: reduction of 2Na + (l) + e – → Na (l) At anode: oxidation of 2Cl – (l) → Cl 2 (g) + 2e –

Electrolysis of Molten Salts (Sodium Chloride) Ions are moved to an electrode during electrolysis. Ions cannot migrate in solid state, making it unsuitable for electrolysis. When melted at high temperatures, sodium chloride splits into sodium and chloride ions, allowing electrolysis to produce sodium atoms and chlorine gas.