Sodium

Sodium (Na⁺) is an essential, monovalent cation that functions as a key extracellular electrolyte in humans. It maintains fluid balance, supports nerve impulse transmission, and facilitates muscle contraction and acid‑base regulation, making it indispensable for virtually every physiological process.

• Sodium is a chemical element with symbol Na and atomic number 11.
• Its elemental form is a soft, silvery‑white metal (density 0.97 g cm⁻³) that oxidizes rapidly in air.
• In supplements, sodium appears as ionic salts (e.g., NaCl, NaHCO₃, NaClO₃).
• The most common ion is the monovalent cation Na⁺ (electron configuration [Ne] 3s¹).
• The IUPAC name for the element is simply “sodium.”
• Key properties:
  • Melting point 97.8 °C
  • Boiling point 883 °C
  • High electrical conductivity
  • A strong tendency to form ionic compounds with a 1:1 stoichiometry.
• In aqueous solution, Na⁺ is fully hydrated (Na(H₂O)₆⁺), contributing to osmotic pressure and electrolyte balance.

• Commercial sodium is predominantly derived from rock salt (halite) deposits mined worldwide (e.g., United States, China, Germany).
• The rock is mined, crushed, and purified via dissolution, filtration, and recrystallization to produce high‑purity sodium chloride.
• Alternative sources include sea salt, harvested by evaporating seawater; it contains trace minerals (e.g., magnesium, potassium) that may affect taste but not sodium content.
• Synthetic sodium salts (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) are produced industrially by reacting carbon dioxide with sodium hydroxide (the “Solvay process”) or by neutralizing acids with sodium hydroxide.
• For supplements, pharmaceutical‑grade sodium salts must meet USP or EP standards for purity (≥99.5 % NaCl) and be free of heavy‑metal contaminants.
• Quality control includes testing for microbial load, residual solvents, and consistent particle size for optimal dissolution.