Subterranean brines in parts of the United States are rich in iodides and bromides and serve as an industrial source of these elements. In one recovery method, the brines are evaporated to dryness and then melted and electrolyzed. Which halogen is more likely to form from this treatment? Why?

In electrolysis electric current is passed through a substance in which the oxidation occurs at the anode and the reduction occurs at the cathode. At cathode the species with lower reduction potential gets discharged and at anode species with higher reduction potential gets discharged.

The oxidation potential of bromide

2Br⁻ (aq) → Br₂ (g) + 2e⁻ E° = -1.07 V

The oxidation potential of iodide is

2I⁻ (aq) → I₂ (g) + 2e⁻ E° = -0.53 V

From the above equation we can say that the oxidation potential of iodide ion is higher than bromide ion.

Thus from the above conclusion we can say that Iodine gas is more likely to form from this treatment because it easily released at the anode.

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