What is table salt's chemical name?

Table salt's chemical name is sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound made from sodium ions and chloride ions, represented by the formula NaCl. Each sodium atom contributes one electron to a chlorine atom, producing oppositely charged ions that arrange themselves in a repeating crystal lattice. This structure gives salt its familiar cubic crystals and brittleness.

Salt occurs naturally as the mineral halite and is obtained by mining rock salt or evaporating seawater and underground brine. Although “salt” can describe many chemical compounds, ordinary edible table salt is primarily sodium chloride. Iodized table salt also contains a small amount of iodine compound, while other varieties may include anti-caking agents or trace minerals.

A common mix-up is confusing sodium chloride with sodium, chlorine, or hydrochloric acid. Sodium is a reactive metal, chlorine is a poisonous gas, and hydrochloric acid is a corrosive liquid; combined as NaCl, they form the familiar seasoning and preservative used in food.