Salt
| Also Known As | Ionic salt, mineral salt, inorganic salt |
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What is Salt?
An ionic compound formed by the reaction of an acid with a base, consisting of a cation from the base and an anion from the acid. Common table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). Salts can be neutral, acidic, or basic in aqueous solution depending on the parent acid and base strengths.
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
An ionic compound formed by the reaction of an acid with a base, consisting of a cation from the base and an anion from the acid. Common table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). Salts can be neutral, acidic, or basic in aqueous solution depending on the parent acid and base strengths.
Common salt (NaCl) is essential for food preservation, flavouring, and numerous industrial processes. Calcium carbonate is used in construction and as an antacid. Many salts serve as fertilisers, pigments, or pharmaceutical compounds.
Many salts are relatively safe but some (e.g., heavy metal salts like lead acetate, mercury chloride) are highly toxic. Industrial salts should be handled according to their specific safety data sheets.