Colourless, transparent tetrahedrons of the regular system; permanent in dry air, odourless, having a cooling saline taste and a neutral reaction.

Solubility. - Soluble in 1.1 parts of water, and in 40 parts alcohol at 15° C. (59° F.); in 0.5 parts of boiling water, and in 43 parts of boiling alcohol.

Reactions. - When heated the salt melts, and afterwards gives off a portion of its oxygen, finally leaving a residue of sodium chloride which gives the reactions peculiar to it (p. 620).

Uses. - Similar to those of chlorate of potassium (vide p. 613). As it is more soluble, stronger solutions can be employed.