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Which chemicals can be manufactured from sodium chloride?

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Cluster of translucent, white salt crystals with sharp cubic shapes viewed under a microscope at high magnification against a dark background. — salt Salt crystal magnified.

Sodium chloride (common salt) serves as a vital raw material for the production of numerous industrial chemicals. Through various chemical processes, it is transformed into essential substances:

Chlorine and Sodium Hydroxide: These are produced simultaneously through the electrolytic decomposition of sodium chloride, a process known as the chlor-alkali industry.12
Sodium Hypochlorite: Produced via the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, this compound is widely used as a household and industrial bleach, as well as an antiseptic and fungicide.1
Sodium Carbonate: Also known as soda ash, this is produced from sodium chloride using the Solvay process.1
Sodium Sulfate: This can be manufactured synthetically by treating sodium chloride with sulfuric acid.1
Metallic Sodium: This can be obtained through the electrolysis of fused (molten) sodium chloride.3

Additionally, the chlorine derived from sodium chloride is used as a precursor to manufacture a vast array of other chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, phosgene, and various organic compounds used in plastics, synthetic rubber, and antifreeze.3