Extraction of Elements:- As metals exist in oxidized form and non metals in reduced form, therefore the methods of extractions of metals and non-metals from the natural sources is quite different.

Extraction of non- metals is carried out by the oxidation of their compounds e.g. chlorine is  obtained by electrolysis of brine (aq. NaCl solution). However, there is no general method for the extraction of non-metals.

Extraction of metals is carried out by the reduction of their compounds. They follow certain general principles in their extraction which we shall discuss in this unit.