natriumchloride

Natriumchloride, also known as sodium chloride, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaCl. It forms a lattice of Na+ and Cl- ions and appears as a white, odorless crystalline solid. It is highly soluble in water and has a melting point of about 801°C. In aqueous solution, it dissociates into sodium and chloride ions, which are essential to many biological processes.

Natriumchloride occurs naturally as the mineral halite and is a major component of seawater and saline lakes. Commercial production is achieved by mining halite or by evaporating brine or seawater to crystallize the salt, followed by refining to meet different grade requirements for food, chemical, and industrial uses.

The most common use is as table salt for flavoring and food preservation. It also serves in de-icing roads, as a desiccant, and as a feedstock for chemical production, including the electrolysis of the chlor-alkali process to yield chlorine and sodium hydroxide. In medicine, saline solutions of varying concentrations (for example, 0.9% NaCl) are used for intravenous infusions and to maintain osmotic balance in various applications.

Sodium chloride is an essential electrolyte in humans, helping regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle activity. It is typically consumed as part of a varied diet, but high intake is associated with health risks such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Large, acute ingestion can cause hypernatremia and other complications, while chronic overconsumption can contribute to fluid retention and related conditions. It is non-flammable and widely regarded as safe when used in moderation.