Can solution of NaOH dissolve isolation rubber around copper wire?

Would heated alloy of lead and tin react with Cl2(g)?

If they do react, anhydrous PbCl2 and anhydrous SnCl4 will form.

Dissolve them in still H2O, SnCl4 soluble and PbCl2 not.

Filter of insoluble Lead(II) Chloride and wash it.

After pure tin crystals can be recovered by electrolyzing solution what's left.

Edited September 8, 201411 yr by Romix

The insulation of electric wire is usually PVC, which an alkali would not deteriorate quickly. Though, I'd prefer ETFE or PVDF insulation, which exist, among others for satellites.

 

I'd worry more about the electrodes than the insulator.

 

Is your goal to separate Sn from Pb in an alloy? Electricity is expensive, electrolysis is slow. Did you consider distillation instead?

Pb boils at 1649°C (1atm)

Sn boils at 2602°C (1atm)

http://www.webelements.com/tin/index.html

that makes an efficient spread, easy to use (reduce the pressure), faster and costing far less than the electrolysis, avoiding chlorine.

I need NaOH for one experiment, by doing this I kill two rabbits in one shot.

Edited September 8, 201411 yr by Romix

If you don't want insulation to dissolve, and contaminate solution, do the same as in Hofmann's voltameter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hofmann_voltameter

 

Place electrodes up-side-down in bottom of container.

 

You can buy ready device for 50 ukp, see f.e.

http://www.sci-mart.com/Chemistry/Stands/hoffman-voltmeter

 

If you don't want insulation to dissolve, and contaminate solution, do the same as in Hofmann's voltameter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hofmann_voltameter

 

Place electrodes up-side-down in bottom of container.

 

You can buy ready device for 50 ukp, see f.e.

http://www.sci-mart.com/Chemistry/Stands/hoffman-voltmeter

 

Thanks for link, ordered graphite rods there.