The alkali metals Li and Na are commercially produced by
A)chemical reduction of their molten salts.
B)electrolysis of their molten salts.
C)thermal decomposition of their molten metal halides.
D)thermal decomposition of their molten metal oxides.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both Li and Na are typically produced commercially by the electrolysis of their molten salts. This involves passing an electric current through a molten salt of the metal, causing it to dissociate into its ions and depositing the metal at the negative electrode. This method is efficient and can produce high purity metals. Option A is not practical, as reduction of alkali metal salts with a reducing agent such as NaH or LiH leads to the production of intermetallic compounds rather than pure metals. Option C is a method for the production of alkaline earth metals, not alkali metals. Option D may be used for the production of some metal oxides, but is not commonly used for alkali metals.

The Alkali Metals Li and Na Are Commercially Produced by