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Extraction, Properties and Uses of Sodium
Sodium is the seventh most abundant element by weight found in theearth’s crust. The largest source of sodium is sodium chloride (NaCl) whichoccurs as rock salt and in sea water.
 Extraction:
Sodium is extracted from sodium chloride by a process is called as
 Downs process. Downs process for extraction of sodium:
In this method sodium is obtained by the electrolysis of a mixture ofsodium chloride (40%) and calcium chloride (60%).The CaCl
2
is added tolower the melting point of sodium chloride from 1085 to 850K.The reasons for lowering the temperature are:i)The melting point of NaCl is very high and it is very difficult tomaintain this temperature.ii) Sodium is volatile at high temperature and therefore, a part of the metalformed may vaporize forming a fog.Iii) Chlorine produced as by product may corrode the material of the vesselat this temperature.iv)The metal obtained at this temperature is in colloidal state and itsseparation will be difficult.
 
The cell consists of steel tank with heat resistant bricks. A circular graphiteanode is placed in the center of the cell. It is surrounded by cylindrical ironcathode. A dome shaped steel hood covers the anode which provides outletfor the escape of Cl
2
gas.A fine wire gauze diaphragm separates the anode and cathode throughwhich molten NaCl may pass but molten sodium cannot pass. The wiregauze separates anode compartments so that the sodium and chlorineformed are not able to intermix and react with each other. 
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