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
Sodium chloride, also known as table salt or halite, is an ionic compound made up of one sodium ion (Na+) and one chloride ion (Cl-). It is commonly used as a seasoning and food preservative.
Related terms
Ionic Compound: A compound composed of positive and negative ions held together by electrostatic attractions.
Sodium Ion: A cation with a charge of +1, derived from the element sodium.
Halite: The mineral form of sodium chloride that occurs naturally in large deposits around the world.