How does sodium chloride relate to the name halogen?

The name halogen is directly derived from the role these elements play in forming compounds like sodium chloride. The term originates from the Greek roots hal-, meaning "salt," and -gen, meaning "to produce."12

When elements in Group 17 of the periodic table react with sodium, they produce salts. Sodium chloride—commonly known as table salt or halite—is the most well-known example of these compounds. Because all halogens produce sodium salts with similar properties, the group was collectively named for this salt-producing characteristic.12