Used extensively in food preservation and flavoring due to its ability to enhance taste and inhibit microbial growth. Commonly added during food processing, cooking, and at the table. Plays a critical role in maintaining electrolyte balance in biological systems and is used in medical applications such as intravenous saline solutions. Employed in water softening systems to regenerate ion-exchange resins. Utilized in the chemical industry as a raw material for the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and other sodium compounds. Also used for de-icing roads in winter due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water.