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Sodium Chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaCl
CAS number
7647-14-5
IUPAC name
sodium;chloride
State
State

At room temperature, sodium chloride is a solid. It is highly stable and non-reactive under standard conditions. It remains solid at room temperature until it reaches its melting point.

Melting point (Celsius)
801.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 074.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 413.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 686.15
General information
Molecular weight
58.44g/mol
Molar mass
58.4430g/mol
Density
2.1650g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium chloride, commonly known as salt, appears as a white crystalline solid. The crystals are often cubic in form and are typically translucent when pure. Commercially available table salt, which is primarily composed of sodium chloride, may contain other components such as iodine compounds and anti-caking agents, giving it a slightly different appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, has fascinating solubility properties that make it a significant compound in both industrial and culinary applications. Its solubility can be summarized as follows:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Sodium chloride is known for its high solubility in water, approximately 357 grams per liter at 25°C. This property allows it to easily dissolve in aqueous solutions, facilitating various chemical reactions.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility of sodium chloride increases slightly with temperature. As the temperature rises, more NaCl can be dissolved in water, providing applications that rely on temperature variations.
  • Polar Nature: The solubility is attributed to the polar nature of water molecules, which interact with the ionic bonds in NaCl. “The positive and negative ions are pulled apart by the water, leading to dissolution.”
  • Limited Solubility in Organic Solvents: Sodium chloride is not soluble in most organic solvents, including alcohols and ethers, due to the lack of polarity. This selective solubility emphasizes its specificity for polar solvents.

The ability of sodium chloride to dissolve in water has led to its extensive use not only as a seasoning in food but also in contexts such as brine solutions, water conditioning, and chemical synthesis. Understanding these solubility characteristics is crucial for applications in various scientific and industrial fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a compound that plays a critical role in both our daily lives and various industrial applications. Here are some fascinating aspects to consider:

  • Essential Mineral: Sodium chloride is vital for human health. The sodium ions it contains are necessary for several physiological processes, including nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
  • Historical Significance: Throughout history, salt has been an important commodity, often used as currency. The word "salary" originates from "salarium," referring to the payments made to soldiers for the purchase of salt.
  • Diverse Uses: Beyond seasoning food, sodium chloride is utilized in various industries, including:
    • Preservation: It helps in curing meats and preserving food by inhibiting microbial growth.
    • Chemical Production: Sodium chloride is a precursor for producing chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide, both of which are essential for numerous chemical processes.
    • De-icing Agent: In colder climates, it is used for melting ice on roads and highways, improving safety during winter seasons.
  • Water Softening: Sodium chloride serves as a traditional agent in water softening systems, effectively removing calcium and magnesium ions that cause water hardness.
  • Flavor Enhancer: In addition to its preservative properties, sodium chloride enhances the flavors of food, making it a staple in culinary practices around the world.

Moreover, sodium chloride is naturally occurring in seawater, where it is present in high concentrations. The extraction of salt from seawater through evaporation is a time-honored technique, showcasing the compound's significance in both natural and industrial processes.

As a chemical scientist, it's exciting to explore how this simple compound influences our health, economy, and environment, and to recognize its fundamental role in various biochemical reactions.