Chloride anions are negatively charged ions formed when a chlorine atom gains an electron. They are represented by the chemical symbol Cl⁻. Chloride is commonly found in nature, especially in salt, where it combines with sodium to form sodium chloride, or table salt. Chloride anions play essential roles in various biological and chemical processes. In the human body, they help maintain fluid balance and are crucial for proper nerve function. Additionally, chloride is used in industrial applications, such as water purification and the production of chlorine gas.