The discussion centers on identifying the salt with the highest melting point, specifically those composed of only two elements. Initial guesses include tungsten carbide, noted for its impressive melting point of 2870 °C, and calcium oxide (CaO), which is cited with a melting point of 2900 °C. However, discrepancies in melting point data for CaO arise, with some sources stating it is 2572 °C. The conversation shifts to other compounds, highlighting hafnium carbide, which boasts a melting point around 3900 °C, followed closely by tantalum carbide at approximately 3880-3915 °C. Other notable mentions include niobium carbide, zirconium carbide, thorium oxide, zirconium boride, and titanium nitride, all with high melting points ranging from 3250 °C to 3600 °C. The reliability of these melting point figures is acknowledged as variable.
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