What is the chemical name for salt?

The chemical name for salt is sodium chloride. It is an ionic compound made from sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), joined in a 1:1 ratio and represented by the formula NaCl.

In everyday speech, “salt” usually means table salt, but chemistry uses “salt” as a broader term for many ionic compounds. Sodium chloride occurs naturally as the mineral halite and is also found dissolved in seawater. Purified crystals are used for seasoning and preserving food.

Salt has uses far beyond the kitchen. Large quantities are spread on roads to melt ice, while industry uses sodium chloride to produce chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and other chemicals. A common mix-up is confusing sodium with salt: sodium is an element, while sodium chloride is a compound containing sodium and chlorine. The familiar cubic shape of salt crystals reflects their orderly ionic structure.