Sodium chloride

Sodium chloride (CAS 7647-14-5), commonly known as salt or NaCl, is one of the most broadly sourced inorganic compounds in industrial and food supply chains. It functions as a preservative and flavor enhancer. This versatile compound also acts as a processing aid and chemical feedstock across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. In food processing, NaCl controls water activity to extend shelf life and delivers taste.

It provides the primary savory taste profile in cured meats, cheeses, snacks, and condiments. Textile and leather manufacturers rely on it to fix dyes to fiber substrates and to cure hides during preservation. Water treatment facilities use sodium chloride to regenerate ion exchange resins in softening systems. This process maintains consistent water quality for industrial and municipal supply chains globally.

In chemical manufacturing, it serves as a primary feedstock for chlor-alkali production. This process generates chlorine and caustic soda at an industrial scale for various downstream applications. Sodium chloride is supplied as fine powder, coarse granules, flakes, and vacuum-evaporated crystals. Recognized grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. for pharmaceutical use.

These standards ensure suitability for food and medical applications, while technical grades serve process needs. Rock salt and solar salt forms are also commercially available for bulk industrial procurement.