noun
In chemistry, refers to ionic compounds like sodium chloride, calcium sulfate, etc. Not used for table salt in everyday contexts (that is しお).
化学の実験で、塩を水に溶かした。
In the chemistry experiment, we dissolved the salt in water.
noun
Abbreviation of 塩化 (えんか, chloride). Used mainly in chemical compound names like 塩化ナトリウム (sodium chloride).
See also: 塩化
「塩化ナトリウム」の「塩」は塩化物を表す。
The 塩 in 塩化ナトリウム (sodium chloride) indicates chloride.