Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride
SODIUM CHLORIDE
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is an inorganic chemical compound commonly referred to as an edible form of table salt. It is an ionic compound. It has a substantial chemical and industrial role. It is a common salt, found in seawater in a huge amount. It is a salt of a halogen and alkali metal. It is freely soluble in water. The salt solution of Sodium Chloride is called brine. It is an inorganic chloride and a metal halide.
Physical Properties
Its appearance is a white and crystalline powder. It is a face-centered cubic structure. It is soluble in ethanol and water. On decomposing, it emits toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid. It has a salty taste. It is stable in storage condition. It has a 1:1 ratio of chloride and sodium ions. It has neither acidic nor basic properties.
Uses
- It is used as an electrolyte due to sodium ion.
- It serves in the preservation of food.
- It is used in soda ash industry.
- It is utilized in the manufacturing of hydrochloric acid.
- It is utilized in plastic making and pesticides.
- It is used in personal and pet care products.
- It works in metal processing and dyeing.
- It is used in making leather treatment.
Preparation
Strong base sodium hydroxide and the strong acid hydrochloric acid when neutralized, it produces the Sodium Chloride. It is also obtained by mining the rock salt. It is so easily obtained by mineral halite.
Chemical Properties
- It reacts with sulphuric acid and other acids too.
- Its vapour pressure is 1mm/Hg.
- Its heat of fusion is 26.02j/mol.
- It is soluble in water etc.
- Sodium Chloride solutions are corrosive to bases.
- It is considered as safe as the FDA states that it can be used directly.
- Its surface tension is 110 mN/m.