Salt (chemistry)
Commonly, the word salt refers to table salt.
In chemistry, a salt is a neutral compound composed of cations bound to anions. They are typically the product of a chemical reaction between a base and an acid, the base contributing the cation and the acid contributing the anion.
In general, salts are ionic compounds which form crystals. They are usually soluble in water, where the two ions separate. Salts typically have a high melting point, low hardness, and low compressibility. If molten or dissolved in water, they conduct electricity.
Salts are named according to their constituent ions. The cationic components, often metal ions or ammonium, are given first, followed by the anionic components. Cations are often named according to the their conjugate acid:
- acetates are the salts of acetic acid
- carbonates are the salts of carbonic acid
- chlorides are the salts of hydrochloric acid
- cyanates are the salts of cyanic acid
- nitrates are the salts of nitric acid
- nitrites are the salts of nitrous acid
- phosphates are the salts of phosphoric acid
- sulfates are the salts of sulfuric acid
Since the time of Hesiod for nearly 3000 years, both historians and archaeologists have neglected to discuss the importance of the commodity salt [NaCl] in ancient times. Up to the Industrial Revolution, and in respect to almost every scientific discipline the influence of salt has not been considered as a key to the rise, fall or development of most ancient powers. The reason why, archaeologists and historians in particular , have not been impressed by the importance of Salt, is probably that pots, sherds, flints and metals have survived, whereas alkali salts easily dissolved by water, are difficult to trace in ancient ruins. Also the terminology of the word "Spice" has figured as a main object of trade in the past, flavored with a romantic and exotic appeal. However it is clear that the most important spice was salt, a non odorous, bulk commodity, and required by a civilised world in huge quantities.