Molten Ionic Compounds

• When a simple ionic compound is electrolysed in the molten state using inert electrodes, the metal is produced at the cathode and the non-metal is produced at the anode
• When molten lead bromide is electrolysed led is produces at the cathode and bromine is produced at the anode
• The positive metal ions gain electrons and are reduced at the cathode
• Negative non-metal ions loose electrons and are oxidised at the anode
• When lead bromine is electrolysed at the cathode lead is reduced 


  $Pb^{2+} +$$2e^- \rightarrow Pb$
• When lead bromine is electrolysed at the anode bromine is oxidised


  $2Br^- \rightarrow Br_2 +$$2e^-$