Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry: Chemistry | JEE Main

The product, which is not obtained during the electrolysis of brine solution is

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\text{NaOH}

\text{Cl}_2

\text{H}_2

\text{HCl}

Step-by-step solutionView

Correct answer

Electrolysis of brine yields chlorine gas at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sodium hydroxide in solution, but does not directly produce hydrochloric acid.

Option analysis

Why each option works or fails

A ·

\text{NaOH}

Confusing a major product of the chlor-alkali process with an absent product due to misreading the negative question stem. Check the question stem carefully for negative qualifiers like 'not'; $\text{NaOH}$ forms in the electrolyte solution as $\text{H}^+$ is discharged.

B ·

\text{Cl}_2

Believing chlorine is not formed or overlooking the word 'not' in the stem. Remember that chloride ions oxidize at the anode to produce $\text{Cl}_2$ gas during the electrolysis of concentrated $\text{NaCl}$ .

C ·

\text{H}_2

Assuming sodium metal is reduced rather than water, or misreading the stem to look for a true product. In aqueous brine, water is reduced preferentially over $\text{Na}^+$ , liberating $\text{H}_2$ gas at the cathode.

D ·

\text{HCl}

None. Hydrochloric acid ( $\text{HCl}$ ) is not a direct electrolysis product, although it can be synthesized downstream by reacting the byproduct gases $\text{H}_2$ and $\text{Cl}_2$ . Identify $\text{HCl}$ as the correct answer because the direct products are $\text{Cl}_2$ , $\text{H}_2$ , and $\text{NaOH}$ .

Reviewed route

Solution

StepWorking

✓quick_kill

In the chlor-alkali process, electrolysis of brine (aqueous $\text{NaCl}$ ) yields $\text{Cl}_2\text{(g)}$ at the anode, $\text{H}_2\text{(g)}$ at the cathode, and $\text{NaOH(aq)}$ in solution; oxygen gas ( $\text{O}_2$ ) or metallic sodium ( $\text{Na}$ ) is not obtained.

Hints that build this answer step by step

What does the electrolysis of a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine) directly produce?
$\text{Cl}_2\text{ (g)}$ , $\text{H}_2\text{ (g)}$ , and $\text{NaOH}\text{ (aq)}$
Based on the products of brine electrolysis, which substance from the options is NOT produced directly in the cell?
$\text{HCl}$

✓ Source and academic review

Question type: Single correct
Exam relevance: JEE Main · Chemistry
Concepts assessed: Chemistry
Academic status: Reviewed by official_key
Source: pyq
Editorial review: 9 September 2026

Answer

Electrolysis of brine yields chlorine gas at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sodium hydroxide in solution, but does not directly produce hydrochloric acid.

Why each option works or fails

A: $\text{NaOH}$ - Confusing a major product of the chlor-alkali process with an absent product due to misreading the negative question stem. Check the question stem carefully for negative qualifiers like 'not'; $\text{NaOH}$ forms in the electrolyte solution as $\text{H}^+$ is discharged.
B: $\text{Cl}_2$ - Believing chlorine is not formed or overlooking the word 'not' in the stem. Remember that chloride ions oxidize at the anode to produce $\text{Cl}_2$ gas during the electrolysis of concentrated $\text{NaCl}$ .
C: $\text{H}_2$ - Assuming sodium metal is reduced rather than water, or misreading the stem to look for a true product. In aqueous brine, water is reduced preferentially over $\text{Na}^+$ , liberating $\text{H}_2$ gas at the cathode.
D · correct: $\text{HCl}$ - None. Hydrochloric acid ( $\text{HCl}$ ) is not a direct electrolysis product, although it can be synthesized downstream by reacting the byproduct gases $\text{H}_2$ and $\text{Cl}_2$ . Identify $\text{HCl}$ as the correct answer because the direct products are $\text{Cl}_2$ , $\text{H}_2$ , and $\text{NaOH}$ .

Step-by-step solution

quick_kill: In the chlor-alkali process, electrolysis of brine (aqueous $\text{NaCl}$ ) yields $\text{Cl}_2\text{(g)}$ at the anode, $\text{H}_2\text{(g)}$ at the cathode, and $\text{NaOH(aq)}$ in solution; oxygen gas ( $\text{O}_2$ ) or metallic sodium ( $\text{Na}$ ) is not obtained.

Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry: Chemistry | JEE Main

What feels right?

Electrolysis of brine yields chlorine gas at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and sodium hydroxide in solution, but does not directly produce hydrochloric acid.

Why each option works or fails

Solution

✓quick_kill

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