Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Chloride ions are negatively charged particles that consist of a single chlorine atom. They are commonly found in various compounds and play important roles in many chemical reactions.
Related terms
Sodium chloride: A common compound made up of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions, which is commonly known as table salt.
Hydrochloric acid: A strong acid that consists of hydrogen (H⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions, often used in laboratory experiments.
Calcium chloride: A compound composed of calcium (Ca²⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions, sometimes used to melt ice on roads.