Sodium Chloride | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Occurrence in Sea Water

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt or NaCl, is abundantly present in seawater. Seawater is composed of various dissolved salts, with sodium chloride being the most abundant. It occurs in an average concentration of about 3.5% (by weight) in seawater. This means that for every 1,000 grams of seawater, approximately 35 grams are sodium chloride.

Economic Importance of Sea Water

Sea water holds significant economic importance due to its salt content, primarily sodium chloride. The extraction of salt from sea water provides a vital source for various industries and human consumption. It serves as a key raw material for the production of chemicals, fertilizers, and various industrial processes. Additionally, sea water is used for desalination, the process of removing salt and other impurities to obtain freshwater, which is crucial in areas with water scarcity.

Recovery of Sodium Chloride from Sea Water

The recovery of sodium chloride from sea water involves the process of evaporation. Large-scale evaporation facilities, known as salt pans, are constructed near coastal regions. Seawater is allowed to enter shallow basins and exposed to sunlight. Over time, the heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate, leaving behind concentrated salt brine. The brine is further processed through various purification steps to remove impurities, resulting in the crystallization of sodium chloride. The crystals are then collected, washed, and dried to obtain pure sodium chloride.

Uses of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Sodium chloride has numerous applications in various industries and everyday life. Some of its uses include:

• Food Seasoning: Sodium chloride is commonly used as a seasoning agent to enhance the taste of food. It is a crucial ingredient in cooking and food preservation.
• Chemical Production: Sodium chloride is a key raw material for the production of various chemicals, such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen chloride. These chemicals find applications in industries like manufacturing, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals.
• Water Treatment: Sodium chloride is utilized in water treatment processes, including the disinfection of drinking water and the purification of wastewater.
• De-icing Agent: Sodium chloride is used in cold regions to melt ice and snow on roads, walkways, and runways. It helps prevent accidents and ensures safe transportation during winter.
• Electrolysis: Sodium chloride is used in electrolysis processes to produce chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide. These products have wide-ranging industrial applications.
• Medical Applications: Sodium chloride solutions, commonly known as saline solutions, are used for medical purposes, such as intravenous hydration and wound cleansing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sodium chloride is abundantly present in sea water and holds significant economic importance. Its recovery from sea water through evaporation is a crucial process. Sodium chloride finds various uses in food seasoning, chemical production, water treatment, de-icing, electrolysis, and medical applications.