Why can't sodium chloride conduct electricity as a solid?

Non-conductive in its solid state, but when dissolved in water or molten NaCl will conduct electricity. Magnesium oxide, MgO. Higher melting point than sodium chloride: around 2,800ºC. read more

Solid sodium chloride doesn't conduct electricity, because there are no electrons which are free to move. Now, mix it in water and place the two leads from the battery and the below things happens: As soon as the salt is mixed in water, we get Na+ and Cl- ions. read more

The atoms of solid sodium are bound together through metallic bonding, which involves the presence of delocalized electrons around positive ions of sodium. The delocalized electrons can carry an electric current, thus allowing solid sodium to conduct electricity. read more