Sodium chloride (chemical formula: NaCl) is an ionic compound. The atomic mass of sodium and chloride ions is 22.99 and 35.45g/mol, respectively, which means that 100g of sodium chloride contains 39.34 g of sodium and 60.66 g of chlorine. Sodium chloride is the main component of salt in sea water, and its presence also gives sea water its characteristic salty taste. Sodium chloride is also the main salt of extracellular fluid, and 0.9% sodium chloride solution is commonly known as normal saline. Its edible form is the main component of salt, and is mostly used for seasoning and preservation of food.