·        CAS Number 7647-14-5

·        Molecular Formula NaCl

·        Molecular Weight 58.44

·        Beilstein Registry Number 3534976

·        EC Number 231-598-3

·        MDL Number MFCD00003477

Sodium chloride is used in a wide variety of biochemical applications, including intravenous fluids, density gradients, a diluent to increase ionic strength in buffers or culture media and in salt-out procedures in the isolation of DNA. It has also been used in high concentrations for preservation of foods since bacteria cannot grow in high salt conditions. A salt-ice mixture in the ratio of approximately 33 g sodium chloride to 100 g ice (at -1°C) will drop in temperature to as low as -21°C, depending on the rate of stirring and the size of the ice chunks.

Sodium chloride is a commonly used chemical which is found widely in nature. It is considered to be an essential nutrient. Excess amounts of sodium chloride can destroy electrolyte balance and cause death in most animals, including humans.