Salt (chemistry)

Salt (chemistry)

File:Table salt.jpg

Table salt, a common example of a salt

In chemistry, a salt is a compound that is formed by the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. Salts are composed of related numbers of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) so that the product is electrically neutral (without a net charge).

Formation

Salts are formed when acid-base reactions occur. For example, when a hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the hydrogen and hydroxide ions combine to form water, and the sodium and chloride ions form a salt, sodium chloride (NaCl).

Properties

Salts can exhibit a large variation in their physical and chemical properties. Some salts are tasteless while others can be sweet, sour, bitter, or salty. Salts can be colorless or they can possess a variety of colors. Some salts are soluble in water while others are not. In solution, salts may conduct electricity.

Uses

Salts have a wide variety of uses. They are used in food to enhance flavor and as a preservative. They are also used in many industrial processes, such as the production of soap, paper, and textiles.

See also

• List of salts
• Salt
• Sodium chloride

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