Technical articles

Selection of Common Research Salts: A Task Map for Alkali Metal Salts & Alkaline Earth Metal Salts (with Product Tables 1–6)

I.Two Major Salt Families: What Are Alkali Metal Salts vs Alkaline Earth Metal Salts?

 

1.1 The first step in choosing a salt: distinguish M from M²⁺ (alkali vs alkaline earth)

 

In research and materials development, these two salt families frequently appear as the most basic sources of ions / precursors / supporting salts, for example:

 

1. Preparing solutions: adjusting ionic strength, serving as background electrolytes, building control systems

2. Making materials: acting as precursors (carbonates/halides/nitrates, etc.) for sintering, thin films, or solution routes

3. Electrochemistry: serving as conducting salts and sources of charge carriers (Li/Na/Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ )

 

They are all “salts,” but alkali metal salts typically provide monovalent cations M (e.g., Na/K), whereas alkaline earth metal salts typically provide divalent cations M² (e.g., Mg²/Ca²⁺). The difference between +1 and +2 charge further affects solubility/hydration, coordination strength, and “structural roles” in materials.

 

1.2 What is a “salt”?

 

Chemically, a salt is a compound composed of cations and anions—this is the standard definition in the IUPAC Gold Book. When we later discuss “alkali metal salts / alkaline earth metal salts,” we are essentially discussing which element family the cation in the salt comes from.

 

1.3 Definitions and scope: what counts as an alkali metal salt? what counts as an alkaline earth metal salt?

 

A | Alkali metal salts (Alkali metal salts)

 

a) Alkali metals: Group 1 of the periodic table (excluding hydrogen): Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr.

b) Alkali metal salts: salts whose main cation is M (monovalent) formed by these elements (e.g., Na, K, Li, Cs, etc.).

 

B | Alkaline earth metal salts (Alkaline earth metal salts)

 

a) Alkaline earth metals: Group 2 of the periodic table: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra.

b) Alkaline earth metal salts: salts whose main cation is M² (divalent) formed by these elements (e.g., Mg², Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, etc.).

 

1.4 One comparison table to tell them apart

 

Dimension

Alkali metal salts (Group 1)

Alkaline earth metal salts (Group 2)

Family definition

Group 1: Li/Na/K/Rb/Cs/Fr

Group 2: Be/Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba/Ra

Typical cation

M (monovalent)

 (divalent)

“Common roles” in formulations

More often used as background salts / ionic environment / charge-carrier sources; also often serve as A-site or compensating ions in materials (depending on the system)

More often associated with bridging/crosslinking and inorganic-framework-related ions; also common as precursor sources for refractory materials, glass-ceramics, and oxide systems

Common anion families

Halides, nitrates, carbonates, phosphates, (electrolytes) PF₆⁻/TFSI, etc.

Halides, nitrates, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, etc.

 

Note: Be is in Group 2, but due to its high charge density and strong polarization, many beryllium halides, etc. are more covalent in character and do not follow the typical empirical intuition for “ionic M² salts. The rules discussed heresuch as divalent ions more readily bridge/crosslink”—primarily apply to Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba systems.

 

II.How to choose salts: locate the task → check the cation (M⁺/M²⁺) first → then check the anion type

 

2.1 “Task → salt choice” navigation table

 

Research task / need

Recommended to look at first

Why this is prioritized (core reason)

Representative “salt keywords” (examples)

Background salt / ionic strength / solution control (avoid introducing precipitation)

Alkali metal salts first

Generally higher solubility; can stably provide ionic strength over a wider concentration range; typically weaker structural/bridging effects on the system. For the anion, prioritize types that minimally perturb the system.

NaCl, KCl, NaNO, KNO

Electrochemistry / electrolyte environment (charge carriers, conducting salts)

In most cases, alkali metal salts first

Common charge carriers are Li/Na/K; practical success often hinges on anion chemistry and solvent compatibility

Li/Na salts (further divided by system)

Need “bridging/crosslinking/hard-water ions” (materials–interface, gels/polymers, inorganic networks)

Alkaline earth metal salts first

The “divalent” nature of M² more readily produces bridging effects (under comparable conditions, it tends to bind/bridge more strongly than M)

CaCl, MgCl, Ca(NO), MgSO

Inorganic material precursors (calcination/solid-state/solution routes): target phase contains Li/Na/K or Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba

Depends on the target element

Here the salt’s role is an element source; prioritize purity, handling convenience, decomposition pathway, and whether unwanted anions are introduced

Nitrates / carbonates / halides (route-dependent)

Want certain ions to “precipitate out” or “avoid precipitation” (removal, separation, phase control)

Either family may be used, but start with anion rules

Solubility is often jointly determined by anion family + cation family; e.g., carbonates are often insoluble, while sulfates have classic exceptions

CO₃²⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻, etc.

 

Note: The electrochemical “charge carrier” depends on the system: Li/Na/K electrolytes mainly rely on Li/Na/K, whereas multivalent systems (Mg/Ca, etc.) rely on Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ salts and are even more sensitive to anion choice, solvent window, and coordination compatibility.

 

2.2 Quick empirical solubility rules (aqueous solutions at room temperature)

 

Scope: The following are empirical rules of thumb for common inorganic ionic compounds in water, near room temperature, under dilute-solution conditions.

 

1. Group 1 (alkali metal) salts are usually soluble (a similar rule often applies to NH₄⁺ salts).

i. Common exception reminder: some lithium salts (e.g., LiF, LiCO) have markedly lower solubility and should be checked individually.

 

2. Nitrates (NO₃⁻) are usually soluble. Chlorates/perchlorates are often soluble, but there are typical low-solubility exceptions such as KClO. If precipitation/separation is involved, consult solubility data specifically.

 

3. Carbonates (CO₃²⁻) are usually insoluble. Group 2 carbonates (e.g., CaCO/SrCO/BaCO) are typically insoluble; the main exceptions are Group 1 and NH₄⁺ carbonates.

 

i. Note: although LiCO belongs to Group 1, it is only sparingly soluble/low-solubility and should not be treated as “fully soluble.”

 

4. Sulfates (SO₄²⁻) are often soluble, but BaSO and SrSO are usually insoluble, and CaSO is often sparingly soluble/low-solubility.

 

2.3 Quick Reference: Anion Catalog

 

Anion type

Examples (alkali metal salts, M)

Examples (alkaline earth metal salts, M²)

Typical uses + key reminders

Halides (Cl/Br/I)

NaCl, KCl, CsI

MgCl, CaCl, SrCl

Commonly used as background salts / ion sources / precursors. If the system is sensitive to halides (coordination, corrosion, side reactions), choose cautiously.

Nitrates (NO₃⁻)

NaNO, KNO

Mg(NO), Ca(NO)

Convenient, measurable metal-ion sources in many systems; often used as an entry point for solution-based precursor routes.

Carbonates / Bicarbonates (CO₃²⁻/HCO₃⁻)

NaCO, NaHCO, KCO

CaCO, SrCO, BaCO

Common for precipitation/phase control, inorganic precursors, and fillers. Group 2 carbonates are typically low-solubility—often used as a “handle” for controlled precipitation.

Sulfates (SO₄²⁻)

NaSO, KSO

MgSO, CaSO, BaSO

Often used in separation, precipitation control, and inorganic system controls. Low-solubility sulfates (e.g., BaSO) make this a classic system for precipitation/scale studies and process control.

Phosphates (PO₄³⁻ and related)

NaPO, KPO (also NaHPO/NaHPO, etc.)

Ca(PO)

Frequently form low-solubility precipitates or show strong coordination/buffering effects—useful for precipitation control, inorganic framework construction, and buffer formulations. Distinguish acid salts vs normal salts (e.g., NaHPO/NaHPO/NaPO): their use cases and effective pH ranges differ substantially.

Organic acid salts (acetates, etc.)

CHCOONa, CHCOOK

Ca(CHCOO), Mg(CHCOO)

Often used as milder ion sources / coordination environments. Organic anions may participate in complexation or reactions; mechanism-sensitive systems should evaluate these effects.

 

III.Alkali Metal Salts (Alkali metal salts): Find representative salts and common uses by anion type

 

3.1 Anion-type index: representative alkali metal salts and selection notes

 

Anion type

Common representative alkali metal salts

Common uses (typical roles)

Selection notes (risks / cautions)

Halides (Cl/Br/I)

LiCl, NaCl, KCl; CsI/CsBr

Background electrolyte / ionic-strength controls; halide sources and materials precursors (crystals, films, solution routes)

Halides may trigger precipitation in systems containing certain metal ions (e.g., Ag/Pb²⁺/Hg₂²⁺) or participate in coordination/corrosion/side reactions. Systems sensitive to halides should be handled cautiously.

Nitrates (NO₃⁻) (and chlorates/perchlorates)

LiNO, NaNO, KNO

Common soluble salts and carriers for metal-ion sources; controls in solution chemistry and precipitation reactions

Nitrates are often “general-purpose soluble salts.” If using chlorates/perchlorates, pay attention to oxidizing properties and safety/compliance requirements.

Weak-acid anions such as acetates/bicarbonates (AcO/HCO₃⁻)

CHCOONa, CHCOOK; NaHCO

Mild ion sources; formulation salts / buffer-related systems; tuning the solution environment

May participate in acid–base and complexation equilibria. In mechanism-sensitive or “as inert as possible” systems, evaluate anion effects.

Sulfates (SO₄²⁻)

NaSO, KSO

Inorganic salt controls; separation/precipitation-control studies; building ionic environments

If Ba²/Sr²⁺/Ca²⁺/Pb²⁺, etc. are present, adding SO₄²⁻ may trigger low-solubility sulfate precipitation. This can be used for precipitation/separation; if clarity is required, avoid such combinations.

Carbonates & phosphates (CO₃²⁻ / PO₄³⁻) (incl. acid phosphates)

NaCO, KCO; NaPO, KPO (also NaHPO/NaHPO, etc.)

“Alkalinity reserve/acid scavenging,” precipitation driving and separation tools; inorganic material precursor routes; phosphates also used in buffers/formulations

CO₃²⁻/PO₄³⁻ cause many metal ions to form low-solubility salts and precipitate. Most alkali salts are soluble, but some lithium salts (e.g., LiCO, LiPO) have low solubility and must be checked separately. For phosphates, distinguish acid salts vs normal salts (different uses and pH ranges).

Hydroxides (OH)

LiOH, NaOH, KOH, CsOH

Strong bases: pH adjustment, dissolution/etching, reaction driving (alkali treatment, precipitation formation, etc.)

Strongly reactive reagents, typically not used as background salts. Assess material compatibility and safety requirements.

Weakly coordinating fluorinated anions for electrolytes (PF₆⁻/TFSI/FSI/BF₄⁻, etc.)

LiPF, LiTFSI (expandable: LiFSI, LiBF; Na/K analogs)

Electrochemistry/device-grade conducting salts: influence ionic conductivity, interphase film/stability, temperature window, and solvent matching

The core is overall compatibility across salt–solvent–moisture/impurities–interfaces, plus regulatory/safety requirements. Compatibility differs greatly between anions; for fluorinated weakly coordinating anions in particular, moisture and impurity control is critical.

 

3.2 Three high-frequency application threads: the three most common roles of alkali metal salts in research

 

Application thread (scenario)

Real-world task / pain point

Common salt keywords

Why they’re commonly used

Selection notes (avoid misuse)

A. Solution chemistry & separation: using salts as the “ionic environment / precipitation tool”

Need a stable, reproducible ionic strength; or use precipitation to achieve separation / build controls

Background salts: NaCl/KCl, NaNO/KNO; Precipitation drivers: carbonates / phosphates / hydroxides

From empirical solubility rules: Group 1 salts and nitrates are usually soluble, making them suitable as background electrolytes and quantifiable ion sources; whereas CO₃²⁻ / PO₄³⁻ / OH are often used to drive precipitation or shift equilibria

For a “background salt,” prioritize counterions with minimal interference; CO₃²⁻ / PO₄³⁻ / OH will strongly alter pH, complexation, and precipitation equilibria, and are not suitable when you “only want to provide an ionic background.”

B. Energy electrochemistry: the conducting salt defines the electrolyte window and interfacial stability

Need high ionic conductivity, a stable interphase (SEI/CEI), temperature-range compatibility; and strict control of water/impurities

LiPF, LiTFSI (extensions: LiFSI, LiBF; corresponding Na/K analogs)

In Li-ion battery electrolytes, LiPF has long been the mainstream/dominant conducting salt (despite issues such as moisture sensitivity and decomposition); the anion family directly links to conductivity and interfacial reaction pathways

The key is overall compatibility of salt–solvent–moisture–interface. Even with the same cation, changing the anion can produce completely different behavior. For fluorinated weakly coordinating anions, moisture and impurity control is especially critical.

C. Perovskites / optoelectronic devices: Cs/Li salts as composition and electronic-property tuning components

Improve phase stability and defect/interfacial electronics; or increase transport-layer conductivity and device efficiency

A-site / mixed-cation: Cs salts (e.g., CsI/CsBr precursor salts); Device additives: LiTFSI, etc.

Commonly reported in papers and monographs: introducing Cs into mixed-cation perovskites can improve phase stability and photo/thermal stability; all-inorganic CsPbI is also a major branch (many studies focus on black-phase stabilization and device performance). Meanwhile LiTFSI is a common dopant salt for hole-transport layers such as Spiro-OMeTAD

These uses are more sensitive to purity, water content, and metal impurities. The same salt can have very different specification requirements depending on whether it is used as a precursor or as a device additive.

 

IV. Alkaline Earth Metal Salts: quickly locate representative salts and common uses by anion type

 

4.1 Anion-type index: representative alkaline earth metal salts and selection pointers

 

Anion type

Representative alkaline earth metal salts

Common uses (typical roles)

Selection pointers (common risks / notes)

Halides Cl/Br/I

MgCl, CaCl, SrCl, BaCl

Common M² ion sources and for constructing ionic environments in inorganic systems/interfaces; CaCl is also widely used for dehumidification/drying

Some halides (especially CaCl) are strongly hygroscopic/deliquescent, making weighing, storage, and moisture control more demanding

Nitrates NO₃⁻

Mg(NO), Ca(NO), Sr(NO), Ba(NO)

Frequently used soluble M² precursors (common in solution processing / sol–gel / impregnation routes)

Nitrates are generally highly soluble; however, in heating/thermal treatment routes, consider their thermal decomposition pathways and NOₓ release (process and safety assessment)

Sulfates SO₄²⁻

MgSO, CaSO, SrSO, BaSO

Used for precipitation separation / controlled precipitation / scale (fouling) controls; also common in inorganic materials and filler systems

Sulfates include classic low-solubility exceptions (e.g., BaSO, SrSO, CaSO). In the presence of other divalent ions, precipitation may be triggered. BaSO is nearly insoluble in water and is a typical filler

Carbonates CO₃²⁻

MgCO, CaCO, SrCO, BaCO

High-frequency inorganic fillers/precursors (carbonate routes, thermal decomposition to oxides, etc.); also used for controlled precipitation and phase control

Carbonates tend to be poorly soluble (Group 1 and ammonium salts are common exceptions), so they are often used as an entry point for selective precipitation/precursors

Phosphates PO₄³⁻ (and related)

Ca(PO) (hydroxyapatite, etc.)

Common in low-solubility phases, inorganic frameworks, biomineralization and ceramic routes

Most phosphates are poorly soluble or readily form sparingly soluble phases; in solution systems, pay attention to how pH and coordination environment affect precipitation and phase transformation

Hydroxides OH

Mg(OH), Ca(OH), Ba(OH)

Used to set alkaline conditions, generate precipitates, and for inorganic reactions/material treatments

Hydroxides strongly reshape the system (pH/precipitation/complexation), so they are usually not used as “background salts.” Most M² hydroxides have limited solubility (sparingly soluble/insoluble category)

 

4.2 Four high-frequency application threads: typical “roles” of alkaline earth metal salts in research and processing

 

Application thread

Core pain point (real-world problem)

Representative salts / keywords

Key mechanism / advantage

Selection notes

A. Moisture removal and humidity control: reducing water content in a system

The system/sample is water-sensitive; need to reduce residual water in air or solutions

CaCl (strongly hygroscopic/deliquescent), anhydrous MgSO (drying organic phases)

CaCl absorbs moisture and can deliquesce, so it is often used as a drying/dehumidifying material. Anhydrous MgSO is a common drying agent in organic workups, removing trace water from organic layers by forming hydrates

The anhydrous vs hydrated form and actual water content directly determine drying capacity. Also, CaCl can have poor compatibility with certain functional groups/solvents in some organic systems (choose a more suitable drying agent for the specific system)

B. Precipitation control and separation: selectively forming sparingly soluble salts

Need to selectively remove ions, build precipitation controls, or evaluate scaling risk

BaSO (extremely low solubility), SrSO/CaSO (low solubility); CaCO-related precipitation/scaling is also common

BaSO has extremely low solubility and is a representative system for sulfate precipitation and scaling studies. Among alkaline earth sulfates, BaSO and SrSO are poorly soluble, while CaSO is sparingly soluble, making them useful for selective precipitation separation and phase-control comparisons

With the same anion, solubility can differ greatly across M². Barium salts generally require stricter safety and compliance assessment (toxicity/disposal)

C. Inorganic materials precursors: providing a measurable M² element source

Need measurable, processable, phase-transformable sources of Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba (solution routes or solid-state routes)

Solution precursors: nitrates (Mg(NO)/Ca(NO)/Sr(NO)/Ba(NO)), some halides/acetates; Solid-state precursors: carbonates (CaCO/SrCO/BaCO, etc.)

Many oxide/carbonate/silicate/ceramic systems rely on M² supply. Choosing the anion is essentially choosing the pathway of dissolution → decomposition → residual impurities / gas release (e.g., nitrates often serve as an entry point for solution processing; carbonates are common in solid-state routes and as fillers/precursors)

Nitrates involve thermal decomposition and NOₓ during heat treatment—process and safety must be assessed. For solid-state routes, consider how particle size, purity, and hydration state affect phase transformation and sintering

D. Ionic bridging and crosslinking: using M² to bridge and stabilize structures

Hydrogels/interfacial layers/polyelectrolyte systems need higher mechanical strength or a more stable network

Ca²⁺–alginate (“egg-box”); Sr²/Ba²⁺ and other divalent-ion crosslinking systems

In polysaccharide systems such as alginate, Ca²-induced ionic crosslinking is often described by the classic egg-box model, a reproducible divalent-ion bridging mechanism

Crosslinking strength depends strongly on ion type, concentration, diffusion, and release rate (different salts differ in solubility and ion-release behavior). Distinguish whether you are choosing a salt to set an ionic environment or to trigger gelation via crosslinking

 

V. Product Navigation Table | Alkali Metal Salts & Alkaline Earth Metal Salts: quickly locate Tables 1–6 by “research task”

 

Research context / experimental need

Which table to check first

Why start with this table

Representative “salt keywords” in the table

Build background electrolyte / ionic strength / osmolarity controls: want “stable, reproducible, and avoid introducing extra reactions”

Table 1. Basic background salts & ionic strength

Table 1 concentrates the most commonly used “ionic-environment scaffold salts” (Cl/NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻/CO₃²⁻ with Na/K/Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺), ideal for constructing reproducible ionic strength and control systems

NaCl, KCl, NaNO, KNO, MgCl₂·6HO, CaCl₂·2HO, NaSO, NaCO, KCO

Prepare media / buffer systems: need stable pH, controllable ionic environment, or need chelation/complexation to stabilize metals

Table 2. Buffering / chelating / coordinating anions

Table 2 groups anions that participate in acid–base, complexation, and buffering equilibria (phosphates, bicarbonate, acetates, citrates, EDTA, borates), best suited for formulation and ionic management in media/culture systems

PBS-related: NaHPO/NaHPO; phosphate pair: KHPO/KHPO; NaHCO; NaOAc/KOAc; sodium citrate; EDTA-2Na; borax

Control precipitation / phase / separation: want certain ions to “precipitate out,” study scaling or dissolution–precipitation equilibria; or run carbonate/sulfate/fluoride routes for inorganic materials as comparisons

Table 3. Precipitation / phase control & materials precursors

Table 3 gathers classic “low-solubility / controllable precipitation” families (carbonates, sulfates, fluorides) plus Ca–P (calcium phosphate) endpoints on the materials side—good for solubility, crystallization, filler/precursor and phase-comparison work

CaCO, SrCO, BaCO; CaSO₄·2HO, SrSO, BaSO; CaF, MgF; β-TCP, HA

Moisture-sensitive / trace-impurity-sensitive systems: need “anhydrous/ultra-dry/high-purity” halide salts as ion sources or controls (materials, coordination chemistry, electrolyte pretreatment, etc.)

Table 4. High-purity anhydrous/ultra-dry halides

Table 4 is dedicated to halide salts with reproducible moisture control (ultra-dry/anhydrous Li/Cs/Rb and Mg/Ca salts), ideal for systems with stricter requirements on water, metal impurities, and repeatability

LiCl (anhydrous, high purity), CsCl (anhydrous, high purity), LiBr, LiI (ultra-dry), CaBr (ultra-dry), CsBr (ultra-dry), RbBr (ultra-dry), MgBr (ultra-dry)

Electrochemistry / electrolytes: study ionic conduction, solvation, interphases (SEI/CEI), salt–solvent windows; need comparisons across PF₆⁻/TFSI/FSI/BF₄⁻/OTf/borate systems (including multivalent Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺)

Table 5. Conducting salts for electrochemistry/electrolytes

Table 5 covers mainstream and comparison electrolyte anion systems, including cross-cation (Li/Na/K) and cross-valence (Mg²⁺/Ca²) controlsaligned with the electrochemistry logic that salt chemistry sets the window and the interphase

LiPF, KPF, NaPF; LiTFSI/NaTFSI; LiFSI/NaFSI; LiBF/NaBF; LiOTf; LiBOB, LiODFB; Ca(TFSI), MgTFSI

Method development / reaction controls: need strong acid/base environments, redox conditions, deoxygenation/reduction, or analytical titration systems (not merely ionic strength)

Table 6. Common salts for reactions/analysis (acid–base / redox / deoxygenation / complexation)

Table 6 focuses on functional salts that significantly alter system chemistry (strong bases, oxidants, reducing/deoxygenating salts, nitrites, etc.), useful for mechanistic and methodological controls—different from the “as-inert-as-possible background salts” in Table 1

NaOH, KOH; NaSO, NaSO₃·5HO; NaNO; KMnO; NaBH; NaH

 

Table 1 | Basic background salts & ionic strength (high-frequency general use: Cl/SO₄²⁻/CO₃²⁻/NO₃⁻)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Halide (Cl)

7647-14-5

C111542

Sodium chloride

For plant cell culture, ≥99.5%

A benchmark salt for osmolarity/ionic strength: a common component in plant/cell culture media; also used as a control in salt effects, solubility/coordination studies, and protein stability experiments.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Halide (Cl)

7447-40-7

P112144

Potassium chloride

For cell culture, ≥99.5%

A typical K supplement/osmolarity-adjusting salt: commonly used in cell culture; also a basic background electrolyte and ionic-strength control salt in electrochemistry and solution chemistry.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Nitrate (NO₃⁻)

7631-99-4

S111648

Sodium nitrate (precursor/explosive-regulated)

Premium grade reagent, ≥99%

A common Na/NO₃⁻ source and oxidizing inorganic salt: used in analytical chemistry, ionic-strength/background electrolyte controls, oxidizing systems, and formulation comparisons; note strong oxidizer/regulatory risk—handle, store, and ship in compliance.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Nitrate (NO₃⁻)

7757-79-1

P111633

Potassium nitrate (precursor/explosive-regulated)

Premium grade reagent, ≥99%

A common K/NO₃⁻ source: used to construct solution ionic environments, formulation controls, analytical work, and salt-effect studies in materials/electrochemical systems; strong oxidizer/regulatory risk—observe safety and compliance.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Nitrate (NO₃⁻)

13477-34-4

C100078

Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (precursor/explosive-regulated)

For plant cell culture, ≥99%

A typical Ca² supplement salt: a common calcium source in plant media; NO₃⁻ tends to be less prone to forming sparingly soluble salts/precipitates and is relatively mild in many systemsuseful for anion-effect controls; oxidizing salt with labeled risk—ensure compliance.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Magnesium salts (Mg²) | Halide (Cl)

7791-18-6

M116335

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

For cell culture; for insect cell culture; ≥99% (T)

A typical Mg² supplement salt: commonly used in cell/insect media, supporting enzyme activity and nucleic-acid-related processes while maintaining ionic balance; also used in inorganic precipitation/complexation and salt-effect controls.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Halide (Cl)

10035-04-8

C118444

Calcium chloride dihydrate

For cell culture; for insect cell culture; for plant cell culture; ≥99%

A typical Ca² source: supports ionic balance and physiological processes in cell/insect/plant culture; also used to supply Ca²⁺ in inorganic reactions and to regulate precipitation/crosslinking (e.g., alginate crosslinking).

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Sulfate (SO₄²⁻)

7757-82-6

S112289

Sodium sulfate, anhydrous

For plant cell culture, ≥99%

A common SO₄²⁻/Na source and ionic-strength adjustment salt: used as an inorganic-salt component in media, formulation controls, and salt-effect studies; the anhydrous form is also common in baseline inorganic-salt control systems.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Carbonate (CO₃²⁻)

497-19-8

S432764

Sodium carbonate

Anhydrous grade; premium grade reagent; suitable for analysis

A typical basic carbonate and alkalinity/carbonate source: used for alkalization, precipitation/carbonate-system studies, analytical and standardization controls; the anhydrous grade helps control water content and improve reproducibility.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Carbonate (CO₃²⁻)

584-08-7

P485463

Potassium carbonate

Anhydrous grade; high purity; reagent grade; ≥99%

A commonly used basic carbonate/carbonate source: used for alkalization, inorganic precipitation, and salt-effect controls; also used as a mild base in organic synthesis (relevant for K salt-environment comparisons).

 

Table 2 | Buffering / chelating / coordinating anions (phosphates / bicarbonate / acetates / citrate / EDTA / borates)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

144-55-8

S118660

Sodium bicarbonate

For cell culture; for insect cell culture; ≥99.5%

A typical HCO₃⁻ buffer salt: used with CO systems in cell culture to maintain pH; also a benchmark salt for carbonate systems and gasliquid equilibrium studies.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Phosphate (HPO₄⁻)

7778-77-0

P113042

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

For plant cell culture, ≥99%

A common phosphorus source and buffer-pair component: forms a phosphate buffer system with KHPO; supplies P and K in media and is used for ionic-strength and pH-window controls.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Phosphate (HPO₄²⁻)

7758-11-4

D433945

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate

Anhydrous grade; premium grade reagent; suitable for analysis

A common basic component of phosphate buffer pairs: forms a phosphate buffer with KHPO; used as a pH and ionic-environment control in analysis/media/formulations.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Phosphate (HPO₄⁻)

7558-80-7

S108343

Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, anhydrous

For cell culture; for insect cell culture; ≥99% (T)

A common phosphorus source and acidic component of buffer pairs: forms PBS/phosphate-buffer systems with NaHPO; used for media and ionic-environment controls, pH-window studies, and phosphate effects.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Phosphate (HPO₄²⁻)

7558-79-4

S118441

Disodium hydrogen phosphate, anhydrous

For cell culture; for insect cell culture

A common basic component of phosphate buffer pairs: paired with NaHPO to form PBS; used to maintain pH, supply phosphate, and provide an ionic-strength background—suited for buffer systems and phosphate-effect controls.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Acetate (AcO)

127-09-3

S118648

Sodium acetate, anhydrous

For cell culture; for insect cell culture; ≥99%

A common acetate buffer/carbon-source control: used for formulation buffer systems, ionic-strength adjustment, and methodological controls; can serve as an acetate source in biological systems (set concentration based on the specific system design).

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Acetate (AcO)

127-08-2

P485461

Potassium acetate

Anhydrous grade; ACS; ≥99%

A common acetate buffer/mildly basic salt: used for formulations, ionic-strength and anion-effect controls; also used as an acetate and potassium source in synthesis.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Citrate (Cit³⁻)

6132-04-3

S434901

Sodium citrate dihydrate

Pharmaceutical grade, PharmPure™

A common buffer/chelating/stabilizing agent: used in formulations and methods for pH buffering, metal-ion chelation, improved stability, and ionic-environment tuning; pharmaceutical grade is suitable for cleaner, impurity-controlled comparisons.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Chelator salt (EDTA-2Na)

6381-92-6

E118596

Disodium EDTA dihydrate

For plant cell culture, ≥99%

A typical chelator salt (EDTA-2Na): chelates trace metals in media, stabilizes metal-ion activities, and reduces metal-induced precipitation/deactivation; commonly used in trace-element systems and metal-contamination control.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Borate (tetraborate)

1303-96-4

S112464

Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax)

Chemical pure (CP), ≥99%

A typical borate buffer / glass and flux-system salt: used in borate buffers, glass/glaze and flux comparisons; also used in ionic-strength and complexation-effect studies.

 

Table 3 | Precipitation / phase control & materials precursors (carbonates / sulfates / fluorides / calcium–phosphate materials)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Carbonate (CO₃²⁻)

471-34-1

C432742

Calcium carbonate

Premium grade; precipitated; for silicate analysis

A common Ca²/carbonate source: precipitated CaCO is used for silicate analysis and as a benchmark control; also used as a filler/mineral-phase reference and for studies on carbonateacid reactions and buffering systems.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Strontium salts (Sr²) | Carbonate (CO₃²⁻)

1633-05-2

S759099

Strontium carbonate

For optical glass

A typical Sr² precursor for glass/ceramics: used in optical-glass and functional-ceramic formulations (as a control for refractive-index and structure tuning); also used for comparisons within alkaline earth carbonates.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Barium salts (Ba²) | Carbonate (CO₃²⁻)

513-77-9

B759101

Barium carbonate

For optical glass

A typical Ba² glass raw material/flux and refractive-index modifier: used in optical-glass/ceramic formulations; also serves as a comparison material in carbonate systems and across alkaline earth metals.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Sulfate (SO₄²⁻)

10101-41-4

C431227

Calcium sulfate dihydrate

Suitable for analysis; premium grade; precipitated calcium sulfate

A representative sulfate precipitate phase: used for sulfate analysis and precipitation controls; also widely used in dissolution–precipitation equilibrium, ionic-strength effects, and polymorph/particle-size comparisons.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Strontium salts (Sr²) | Sulfate (SO₄²⁻)

7759-02-6

S112897

Strontium sulfate

Chemical pure (CP)

A common Sr² sulfate precipitate/reference material: used for solubility, precipitation/crystallization, and materials-system comparisons; also used for homologous comparisons with CaSO and BaSO.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Barium salts (Ba²) | Sulfate (SO₄²⁻)

7727-43-7

B112376

Barium sulfate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-pure sulfate precipitate phase / inert filler reference: used for sulfate precipitation and solubility studies, scattering/filler controls, and trace-metal-sensitive systems.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Fluoride (F)

7789-75-5

C104253

Calcium fluoride

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-pure Ca²/F material salt: a common optical/window material and a reference for inorganic fluoride systems; also used in fluoride precipitation/dissolution studies and trace-impurity-sensitive research.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Magnesium salts (Mg²) | Fluoride (F)

7783-40-6

M108388

Magnesium fluoride

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-pure inorganic fluoride material: commonly used for optical coatings/window materials and as a reference in fluoride systems; suitable for trace-impurity-sensitive optical/materials research.

Alkaline earth metal salt system | Calcium–phosphate (Ca–P) materials | β-tricalcium phosphate

7758-87-4

C139914

β-Tricalcium phosphate

Biomedical grade, ≥98%, β-phase basis, < 70 μm

A typical bioresorbable calcium-phosphate ceramic: used in bone-repair materials, tissue-engineering scaffolds, dissolution/mineralization kinetics, and biomineralization controls; the particle-size specification helps with sintering/forming and consistency in surface reactions.

Alkaline earth metal salt system | Calcium–phosphate (Ca–P) materials | Hydroxyapatite

1306-06-5

H306080

Hydroxyapatite (HAw)

Circular disks, diameter 11 ± 1 mm; thickness 3 ± 0.5 mm

A typical calcium-phosphate mineral phase (bone-/enamel-like): used for biomineralization, bone-repair material/coating controls, protein/ion adsorption and release-control studies; the disk format is convenient for evaluating surface reactions and film formation/deposition.

 

Table 4 | High-purity anhydrous / ultra-dry halides (moisture control & reproducibility: common in materials/coordination/moisture-sensitive systems)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | Halide (Cl)

7447-41-8

L130112

Lithium chloride

Anhydrous grade, 99.99% metals basis

A high-purity Li source: used in electrochemistry/materials (including lithium-containing systems) and as a high-purity inorganic-salt reference; the anhydrous, high-purity grade is suitable for moisture-sensitive and trace-impurity-sensitive formulations and mechanistic studies.

Alkali metal salts | Cesium salts (Cs) | Halide (Cl)

7647-17-8

C433762

Cesium chloride

Anhydrous grade; high purity; reagent grade; ≥99.9% metals basis

A high-purity Cs source: used in materials chemistry (e.g., halide/perovskite additives and controls), high-ionic-strength systems, and density-gradient methods; anhydrous high purity suits moisture-sensitive and trace-impurity-sensitive research.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | Halide (Br)

7550-35-8

L433600

Lithium bromide

Anhydrous grade; high purity; reagent grade; ≥99%

A high-purity Li/Br source: used for inorganic/materials and electrochemical salt-effect controls; LiBr is also common as a strongly hydrophilic salt in high-ionic-strength systems (sensitive to moisture and formulation windows—moisture control is required).

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | Halide (I)

10377-51-2

L753625

Lithium iodide

Ultra-dry grade, PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-dry, high-purity Li/I source: used as a control in moisture-sensitive and trace-metal-sensitive systems (electrochemistry, electrolytes, coordination chemistry, and materials precursors). I is prone to oxidation (iodine release); store sealed and protect from light.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | Halide (Br)

7789-41-5

C283864

Calcium bromide

PrimorTrace™, ultra-dry grade, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-dry, high-purity Ca²/Br source: used in moisture-sensitive systems and for electrochemistry/materials and halide-ion-effect controls; suitable for trace-metal-sensitive experiments (trace metals basis).

Alkali metal salts | Cesium salts (Cs) | Halide (Br)

7787-69-1

C292202

Cesium bromide

PrimorTrace™, ultra-dry grade, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-dry, high-purity Cs/Br source: used for materials doping/halide-ion controls and high-ionic-strength systems; suited for reproducible studies sensitive to moisture and impurities.

Alkali metal salts | Rubidium salts (Rb) | Halide (Br)

7789-39-1

R290979

Rubidium bromide

PrimorTrace™, ultra-dry grade, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-dry, high-purity Rb/Br source: used for within-group alkali-metal comparisons, ionic-radius effects, lattice/phase stability, and halide-ion-effect studies.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Magnesium salts (Mg²) | Halide (Br)

7789-48-2

M290956

Magnesium bromide

PrimorTrace™, ultra-dry grade, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-dry, high-purity Mg²/Br source: used for coordination chemistry/solvation and electrochemical salt-effect controls; especially important for moisture-sensitive systems.

 

Table 5 | Conducting salts for electrochemistry/electrolytes (PF₆⁻/TFSI/FSI/BF₄⁻/OTf/BOB/ODFB + multivalent controls)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | PF₆⁻ electrolyte salt

21324-40-3

L777368

Lithium hexafluorophosphate

Electronic grade, ≥99.99% trace metals basis

A typical Li-battery electrolyte salt: used for ionic-conduction studies in non-aqueous electrolytes; electronic grade/low trace metals are critical for electrochemical stability windows and side-reaction control (strict moisture control required).

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | PF₆⁻ electrolyte salt

17084-13-8

P104056

Potassium hexafluorophosphate

≥99.98% metals basis

A high-purity PF₆⁻ electrolyte salt: used for electrochemistry/electrolyte and ionic-conduction studies; PF₆⁻ is often used as a weakly coordinating anion control (strict moisture control required).

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | PF₆⁻ electrolyte salt

21324-39-0

S759713

Sodium hexafluorophosphate (SHFP)

≥99.9% metals basis

A high-purity PF₆⁻ salt: used for electrolyte and ionic-conduction controls; enables comparisons of Na vs K/Li in electrolyte solvation and transport.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | TFSI electrolyte salt

90076-65-6

B398978

Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)

≥99.9%

A classic lithium salt with a large weakly coordinating anion: used in electrolytes/polymer electrolytes and ion-transport studies; often used as an alternative/control vs LiPF (consider moisture and corrosive side reactions in system design).

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | TFSI electrolyte salt

91742-21-1

S161091

Sodium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI)

≥98% (T)

A commonly used sodium salt with a large weakly coordinating anion: used for sodium-battery electrolytes/ion transport and anion-effect controls; can be paired with LiTFSI for same-anion cross-cation comparisons.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | FSI electrolyte salt

171611-11-3

L157764

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide

≥98% (T)

A commonly used high-conductivity electrolyte salt: used in electrolytes and ion-transport studies; compared with TFSI, the anion structure differs—useful for interface/solvation comparisons (moisture control is important).

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | FSI electrolyte salt

100669-96-3

S161088

Sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI)

≥98%

A commonly used sodium-battery electrolyte salt: used for Na transport and electrochemical-window studies; comparison with NaTFSI helps evaluate how anion structure affects interphases/stability.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | BF₄⁻ electrolyte salt

14283-07-9

L432081

Lithium tetrafluoroborate

Anhydrous grade, ≥98%, acid < 200 ppm

A commonly used electrolyte salt/weakly coordinating anion system: used in electrochemistry and non-aqueous ion conduction; low-acidity specification helps reduce side reactions (more friendly to acid-sensitive systems).

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | BF₄⁻ weakly coordinating salt

13755-29-8

S118606

Sodium tetrafluoroborate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

An ultra-pure BF₄⁻ salt: BF₄⁻ is relatively weakly coordinating and is often used in coordination/electrochemistry and ionic-strength background controls; suitable for trace-metal-sensitive systems.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | OTf weakly coordinating salt

33454-82-9

L398970

Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate

≥99.5%

A commonly used lithium salt with a weakly coordinating anion: used for electrochemistry, electrolytes, and Lewis-acid/coordination-system controls; relatively stable and convenient for studying anion effects.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | Borate electrolyte (BOB)

244761-29-3

L120347

Lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB)

≥99% metals basis

A commonly used electrolyte additive / SEI-film-forming salt and control: used in battery electrolyte research and interphase stability evaluation; also useful for comparing how anion structure affects solvation and interfacial reactions.

Alkali metal salts | Lithium salts (Li) | F-containing borate electrolyte (ODFB)

409071-16-5

L303675

Lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiODFB)

≥99%

A common electrolyte “hookup”/interphase-film-forming comparison salt: used to study how F-containing borate anions influence interphase chemistry and stability; suitable for comparisons with LiBOB/LiPF.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Calcium salts (Ca²) | TFSI electrolyte salt

165324-09-4

C153286

Calcium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Ca(TFSI))

≥98%

A representative divalent-metal TFSI salt: used for multivalent (Ca²) electrolytes and solvation/coordination studies; suitable for comparing divalent vs monovalent cations under the same anion in transport and coordination behavior.

Alkaline earth metal salts | Magnesium salts (Mg²) | TFSI electrolyte salt

133395-16-1

M157949

Magnesium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI))

≥97% (T)

A representative Mg² electrolyte salt: used for magnesium-battery/multivalent-ion transport and solvationcoordination studies; easy to run cross-valence comparisons alongside Li/Na/Ca TFSI salt systems.

 

Table 6 | Common salts for reactions/analysis (acid–base / redox / deoxygenation / complexation: for controls & methodology)

 

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Name

Grade / purity

Product features & applications

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Hydroxide (OH)

1310-73-2

S111498

Sodium hydroxide

Premium grade reagent, ≥96%

A typical strong base/alkalinity adjuster: used for pH adjustment, saponification/hydrolysis, inorganic precipitation, and surface cleaning; in salt-system studies, often used to control how “alkaline conditions” affect speciation and precipitation pathways.

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Hydroxide (OH)

1310-58-3

P431767

Potassium hydroxide

Anhydrous grade, ≥99.95% metals basis

A high-purity strong base: used for pH/alkalinity adjustment, hydrolysis/saponification, and inorganic precipitation; anhydrous high purity suits moisture-sensitive systems and trace-impurity-sensitive alkalization controls.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Sulfite (SO₃²⁻)

7757-83-7

S433921

Sodium sulfite

Anhydrous grade, reagent grade, ≥98%

A common reducing salt / deoxygenation and antioxidant control: used to remove dissolved oxygen, scavenge oxidizing impurities, and in analysis and formulation stability research; also used as a control for how “reducing environments” affect speciation in salt systems.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Thiosulfate (SO₃²⁻)

10102-17-7

S431245

Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate

European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur); suitable for analysis; ACS; premium grade

A typical reducing/complexing salt: widely used for iodometric titrations, dechlorination/reduction controls, and complexing metal ions such as Ag; used to assess how a reducing environment / complexing anion affects system behavior.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Nitrite (NO₂⁻)

7632-00-0

S433708

Sodium nitrite

Anhydrous grade; high purity; reagent grade; ≥99%

A common NO₂⁻ source: used for diazotization/nitrosation reactions, analytical work, and corrosion/passivation system controls; note reactivity and safety practices (avoid improper mixing with strong acids/amines).

Alkali metal salts | Potassium salts (K) | Permanganate (MnO₄⁻)

7722-64-7

P485670

Potassium permanganate (precursor/explosive-regulated; precursor/drug-control flagged)

For analysis (max 0.000005% mercury column); premium grade reagent; ACS

A typical strong oxidant and benchmark reagent for redox titration/analysis: used in redox titrations, digestion/oxidation, and methodological controls; high-risk/regulatory-related chemical—ensure compliance and strict safety handling.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Borohydride (BH₄⁻)

16940-66-2

S432207

Sodium borohydride (precursor/explosive-regulated)

purum p.a., ≥96% (gas-volumetric)

A typical hydride reducing agent: used to reduce metal salts/organic functional groups; in salt-system studies, often used to control how a “reducing environment” affects true species and side reactions; strict safety and compliance required.

Alkali metal salts | Sodium salts (Na) | Hydride (H)

7646-69-7

S110860

Sodium hydride

60% dispersion in mineral oil

A strong base/strong reducing reagent: used for deprotonation and anhydrous synthesis; in the “salt/metal-precursor” context, can be used to create strongly basic conditions or reduction controls; mineral-oil dispersion lowers pyrophoric risk but strict moisture/oxygen control is still essential.

 

Note: The above are representative Aladdin products. For more specifications, please refer to the product list at the end of the article or search the Aladdin website using the “product name / CAS / catalog number.”

 

Aladdin: https://www.aladdinsci.com/

 

For more related articles, please see below:

 

Post-Transition Metals and Their Salts: A Classification Guide from Definitions to Value-Chain Applications (Including Product Lists in Tables 1–4)

 

What Are Rare Earths? Material Logic of 17 Elements, an Application Map, and a Quick Guide to Aladdin Reagent Selection (Oxides/Salts/Metals/Standard Solutions/Dispersions)

 

Salting-In and Salting-Out: “Salt” Strategies in Protein Purification

Categories: Technical articles

Da — when not otherwise indicated, molecular weight units are daltons.   Mw — weight-average molecular weight.   Mn — number-average molecular weight.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.

Cite this article

Aladdin Scientific. "Selection of Common Research Salts: A Task Map for Alkali Metal Salts & Alkaline Earth Metal Salts (with Product Tables 1–6)" Aladdin Knowledge Base, updated Jan 26, 2026. https://www.aladdinsci.com/us_en/faqs/selection-of-common-research-salts-en.html
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