The unusual 3D distribution of NaCl around the asymptotic giant branch star IK Tau

Context. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a diatomic molecule with a large dipole moment, which allows for its detection even at relatively low abundances. It has been detected towards several evolved stars, including the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IK Tau, around which it is distributed in several clumps that lie off-centre from the star.Aims. We aim to study the 3D distribution of NaCl around the AGB star IK Tau and determine the abundance of NaCl relative to H-2 for each of the clumps.Methods. First, a new value for the maximum expansion velocity was determined. The observed ALMA channel maps were then de-projected to create a 3D model of the distribution of NaCl. This model was then used as input for the radiative transfer modelling code Magritte. We determined the NaCl abundances of each of the clumps by comparing the observations with the results of the Magritte simulations.Results. We derive an updated value for the maximum expansion velocity of IK Tau: upsilon(exp) = 28.4 +/- 1.7 km s(-1). A spiral-like shape can be discerned in our 3D distribution model of NaCl. This spiral lies more or less in the plane of the sky, with the distribution flatter in the line-of-sight direction than in the plane of the sky. We find clump abundances of between 9 x 10(-9) and 5 x 10(-8) relative to H-2; the relative abundance is typically lower for clumps closer to the star. Conclusions. This is the first time de-projection has been used to understand the 3D environment of molecular emission around an AGB star and to calculate the fractional abundance of NaCl in clumps surrounding the star.