Copper chloride, CuCl₂, can be electrolyzed because it contains ions that are mobile and can carry electric charge.
In the solid state, copper chloride exists as a crystalline structure where the copper and chloride ions are held together by strong ionic bonds. These bonds restrict the movement of the ions, preventing them from freely carrying an electric charge. Therefore, solid copper chloride does not conduct electricity.
However, when copper chloride is melted or dissolved in a liquid solvent, such as water, the ionic bonds are broken, and the copper and chloride ions become mobile. In the liquid state, these ions are free to move and carry electric charge throughout the solution. As a result, liquid copper chloride is capable of conducting electricity.
During the process of electrolysis, an electric current is passed through the liquid copper chloride, causing the movement of the copper and chloride ions towards the respective electrodes. At the cathode, copper ions gain electrons and are reduced to form copper metal, while at the anode, chloride ions lose electrons and are oxidized to form chlorine gas. The conductivity of the liquid copper chloride allows for the flow of ions and the occurrence of these electrochemical reactions.
In summary, solid copper chloride does not conduct electricity because its ions are immobile within the crystalline structure. However, when copper chloride is in the liquid state, the ionic bonds are broken, enabling the ions to move freely and conduct electric current.
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