What is the common name for sodium chloride?

Sodium chloride is commonly known as table salt. This designation arises from its widespread use in households and cooking as a seasoning and preservative. Table salt is a purified form of sodium chloride, typically processed to remove impurities and often enhanced with anti-caking agents to maintain its free-flowing properties.

In contrast, sea salt refers to salt obtained through the evaporation of seawater, which can contain a mix of various minerals and has a different texture and flavor profile compared to table salt. Baking soda, on the other hand, is sodium bicarbonate, a different compound used primarily as a leavening agent in baking. Potassium chloride is also a different compound that is often used as a salt substitute.

Understanding the common usage and different types of salts helps clarify why sodium chloride is primarily associated with the term table salt.