Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is a compound with the chemical formula NaCl. It is composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) ions in a 1:1 ratio. Sodium chloride is one of the most commonly used and important chemical compounds, with a wide range of uses in industry, medicine, and everyday life.

Properties of Sodium Chloride:

• Physical State: Sodium chloride is a crystalline solid at room temperature.
• Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless solution.
• Melting and Boiling Point: It has a high melting point of 801°C and a high boiling point of 1465°C.
• Taste and Odor: It has a characteristic salty taste and no distinct odor.

Uses of Sodium Chloride:

Sodium chloride has a wide variety of uses, including:

• Food: It is used as a seasoning and preservative in food.
• Chemical Industry: It is used in the production of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas.
• Medical: It is used in saline solutions for intravenous infusions and as a cleaning agent for medical equipment.
• De-icing: It is used for de-icing roads and walkways in cold climates.

Study Guide:

Here are some key points to remember about sodium chloride:

1. Sodium chloride is a compound composed of sodium and chlorine ions in a 1:1 ratio.
2. It is commonly known as table salt and is used for seasoning and preserving food.
3. It is highly soluble in water and forms a clear, colorless solution.
4. Sodium chloride has a high melting and boiling point, making it useful for various industrial processes.
5. It has important uses in the food industry, chemical industry, medical field, and for de-icing purposes.

Remembering these key points will help you understand the properties and uses of sodium chloride.