In each of the examples so far there is a pattern. The criterion for predicting the products of the electrolysis comes down to which processes (one oxidation, one reduction) require the least voltage. On the SRP table that creates a predictable situation. Any substance which is reducible must be above the reduction of water (-0.83 V) in order to react instead of water. Any substance which is oxidizable must be below the oxidation of water (+1.23 V) in order to react instead of water.

With that in mind, we can see why cobalt metal is produced at the cathode in the CoCl₂ cell instead of hydrogen gas.

But what about the anode reaction? A gas is produced which bleaches green food color. If you have a sensitive nose you might have recognized the gas as chlorine and not oxygen. How can this be?