Which compound is commonly known as table salt?

The compound commonly known as table salt is sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride has the chemical formula NaCl and consists of sodium ions and chloride ions arranged in a repeating crystal lattice. Although elemental sodium and chlorine are highly reactive, their ionic compound is a stable solid that is essential in small amounts to human and animal physiology.

Most table salt is obtained from seawater or underground salt deposits. Salt may be refined, iodized, or mixed with anti-caking agents before sale. Iodized salt supplies iodine, which the thyroid gland uses to make hormones.

A common mix-up is confusing salt with sodium alone. Nutrition labels usually report sodium, while table salt contains both sodium and chlorine by mass. Sodium chloride also has extensive industrial uses, including chlorine and sodium hydroxide production through electrolysis of brine.