Chloride, a chemical compound formed by the reaction of hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride with a metal or certain other substances. Most of the chlorides are crystalline salts, and many will dissolve in water. Silver chloride, mercurous chloride, and lead chloride, however, are nearly insoluble. Sodium chloride, or common salt, is the most useful of the chlorides. Other chlorides include:

Magnesium Chloride,

used in disinfectants, fireproofing, refrigerating brines, paper and fabric sizing, and in many industrial processes.

Mercuric Chloride,

used in photography and in dry batteries.

Calcium Chloride,

used as a drying agent.

Silver Chloride,

used in photography.

Ammonium Chloride,

used in medicine, in metal-plating, batteries, and fertilizers.

Aluminum Chloride,

used in deodorants and petroleum manufacture, and as a catalyst.