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[Smuts]

Hi

I am a recent graduate working on a vacation job project. I would like to know at what concetrations Chlorine will be formed in an aqueous solution. The solution we are using is a solution with Ca++, Cl-, NO3-, and SO4--; and want to know if the Cl- concentration can be slightly reduced using electrolysis.

 

My understanding is that the NO3- and SO4-- won't be oxidised, but at high enough concetrations of Cl-, Cl2 will be formed instead of O2. The information I have been able to get gives the broad principles that the position in the reactivity series dictates what will form as a rule of thumb unless the concetration of one anion species is 'much higher' than another. How can one quantify the 'much higher' amount? Is there any way to determine at what concetrations one half reaction will take preference over another during electrolysis in general? Or does this only depend on the electrode used, if so where can I find information regarding which electrodes favour which reaction and how to determine at what concentration a certain reaction will take preference for a chosen electrode?

Smuts