Electrolytic Cell Question

[mattshen]

Hi, i want to know how we can tell if a redox reaction will occur in an electrolytic cell if the electrolyte is say LiF.
I know that this reaction cannot occur because it is difficult for lithium to accept electrons, and hence water molecules will accept the electrons...but i want to know how we can tell if this will occur if they gave it to us in an exam...
Thanks

[HenryP]

If they tell you LiF is in liquid or molten form (absence of water) then lithium metal will be produced at the cathode.
However if they say is LiF in an aqueous solution (presence of water) then from the electrochemical series you can see that water is the better oxidant and will therefore be reduced in preference to lithium.
Hope that helped.

[mattshen]

Alright, thank you HenryP !