For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon. (b) Explain why, an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.

(a) Aluminium can be used as a reducing agent other than carbon.

(b) If electrolysis is done in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride the sodium metal produce at cathode and reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide. Thus electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium chloride will produce sodium hydroxide but not sodium metal.