Sodium Chloride
Salt
- CAS
- 7647-14-5
- EC
- 231-598-3
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Pharma & Healthcare
Sodium Chloride (CAS 7647-14-5), commonly called table salt or halite, is an inorganic salt of sodium and chloride ions that appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or tablet and is widely used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food processing, in water treatment for softening, and in pharmaceuticals. It has a density of 2.16 g/cm³, melting point of 801°C, and boiling point of 1465°C. Highly soluble in water (up to 359 g/L at 25°C), it forms neutral solutions and is insoluble in most organic solvents. It is hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from air, and is produced via evaporation of seawater or mining rock salt deposits.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | ClNa |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 58.44 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Form | tablets |
| Color | White |
| Melting point | 801 °C |
| Boiling point | 1413 °C |
| Density | 2.165 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Water solubility | 360 g/L (20 °C) |
| Flash point | 1413°C |
| pH | 5.5-6.5(1 tablet in 100 mL purified water) |
| GHS signal word | Warning · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 38220000 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Sodium Chloride
Applications
Widely used in food processing as a preservative and flavor enhancer, in water treatment for softening, chemical manufacturing for chlorine and soda ash production, glass making, textiles dyeing, and mining pH adjustment. Also applied in de-icing roads, pharmaceuticals as an emetic, and detergents.
Safety & Risks
Generally safe but excessive ingestion can cause hypertension and cardiovascular diseases like stroke; dust may irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Non-flammable; avoid mixing with strong oxidizers. Classified non-hazardous for transport; use PPE in handling.
Packaging
Packaged in 25kg or 50kg polypropylene bags with polyethylene liners, or fiber drums; containers can be rinsed for recycling or punctured for disposal in sanitary landfills to ensure environmental compliance.