[Johnson (OP)]

So I got hold of 2 carbon electrodes from a lantern battery, winded copper wire around them and connected them to a 12V lithium battery. Then I stuck them in a glass full of salt water. After some time, I could definitely smell chlorine gas. I know that electrolysis of water gives oxygen and hydrogen, but since there is salt giving out chlorine, my question is: Do I get sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from this and what are the products of this reaction?
Also, for some reason my carbon electrodes are dissolving in water and turning the solution black. Nothing to do with the process, just fragile by themselves :/

[jeffreyH]

Could you please format your post title as a question.

[SeanB]

You are right, the results are as described, along with some dissociation of the electrodes as well, so you will have some CO2 created as well.

[Johnson (OP)]

You are right, the results are as described, along with some dissociation of the electrodes as well, so you will have some CO2 created as well.

It's just that I heard that chlorine is reactive and will react with the solution, forming NaClO, rather than allowing the creation of NaOH. I saw most people make NaOH using divided cell electrolysis. Is that necessary or will my method work too?

[pogomonster]

What would cause this reaction to create a large quantity of some orange powder? I was doing the same as is asked about in the first part of the question, but I have what may be stainless steel electrodes. It is producing large quantities of hydrogen but I am getting no oxygen. The quantity of salt I put in is not large, so it may be the electrodes, but the type of salt is NaCl as would be found in most houses most commonly.

[Bored chemist]

What would cause this reaction to create a large quantity of some orange powder?

Rust.