Because reduction potential of water is higher .so electrolysis is not done of an aqueous solution of AlCl3.
Given that ,
Commercial aluminum production is done by electrolysis of a bath containing Al2O3 dissolved in molten Na3AlF6 .
We know that ,
The half reaction of electrolysis of aqueous AlCl3 solution is given by ,
Al^3+(aq) +3e^- ==> Al(s) , E^0=-1.66V
and ,
2H2O (l) +2e^- ==> H2 (g) + 2OH^-(aq) , E^0=-0.83V
Through observing this we get to know that the water has higher reduction potential .
And we know that reduction takes place at the electrode with higher reduction potential . thus reduction of water takes place to produce hydrogen instead of production of aluminum at cathode.
Therefore , electrolysis is not done of an aqueous AlCl3 solution .
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