Description
Sodium chloride, or table salt, is not only an essential component of our diets, but also a substance with wide industrial uses. Its chemical formula is NaCl, and it occurs in the form of white, transparent crystals. Salt is a key component of many metabolic processes in the human body and is essential for proper functioning.
In cooking, sodium chloride is mainly used as a spice that enhances the flavor of dishes and as a preservative that prolongs the freshness of food. Additionally, salt is used in the production of food such as baked goods (stabilizes gluten in dough) and cold cuts (acts as a preservative).
In industry, sodium chloride has key applications in chemical production, including the production of chlorine and caustic soda through the electrolysis of brine. It is also used in water treatment processes, where it softens hard water through ion exchange. Road salt, used to combat road icing, is one of the largest uses of sodium chloride in some countries.
The use of sodium chloride in various industries proves its universality and importance in many aspects of everyday life and the economy.