Used extensively in food preservation and seasoning, enhancing flavor and extending shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. Employed in the production of various chemicals such as chlorine and sodium hydroxide through electrolysis. Serves as a de-icing agent on roads and walkways due to its ability to lower the freezing point of water. Utilized in medical applications for preparing saline solutions used in intravenous therapy, wound cleaning, and nasal irrigation. Also functions as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical formulations and in water softening systems to regenerate ion-exchange resins.