Chemistry

In Chemistry, salts are ionic compounds composed of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is electrically neutral (without a net charge). However, when salts are dissolved in water, they are called electrolytes, and are able to conduct electricity.

There are several varieties of salts. Salts that produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water are basic salts and salts that produce hydrogen ions in water are acid salts. Neutral salts are those that are neither acid nor basic salts.

What is usually called salt, or common salt is sodium chloride. Chemically, it is 60.663% elemental chlorine (Cl) and 39.337% sodium (Na). Salt can vary in colour depending upon its level of purity.

Salt is soluble in water (35.6g/100g at 0°C and 39.2g/100g at 100°), slightly soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid. A solution of salt in water is often referred to as brine.

Other interesting properties:

  • Density at 0°C (32°F) is 2.17g/cm³.
  • A melting point of 801°C.
  • For pure NaCl, a boiling point of 1413°C.
  • For saturated brine, a boiling point of 108.7°C.
  • Freezing point of saturated brine is -21.12°C.