AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/705-salt
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Ionic salt, mineral salt, inorganic salt
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
A salt is an ionic compound formed when the hydrogen of an acid is replaced by a metal ion, or produced by the neutralisation of an acid by a base. Salts consist of a cation (often a metal) and an anion (often from an acid). They typically have high melting points and conduct electricity when dissolved or molten. Salt solutions can be acidic, basic, or neutral depending on the parent acid and base.
Uses & Applications
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.
Safety Information
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.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
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.
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
