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Abstract In this study, low molecular weight chitosan salt (LMWC-HCl) highly soluble in water was prepared from low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) in the solid state exposed to hydrogen chloride gas as a reagent. The effects of chitosan particle size, exposure conditions, reaction temperature and reaction time were investigated on the solubility and the molecular weight of obtained products. The formation of the chloride salt was observed after 3 h in a range of temperatures from 4 to 50 °C. The solubility of prepared LMWC-HCl was over 98% for all samples, much higher than that of the original LMWC. The average molecular weight of the LMWC-HCl was about 20–90 kDa with a quite narrow distribution and lower compared to the LMWC. LMWC-HCl and LMWC showed the same high antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This facile and efficient process for solubilization of LMWC has potential for industrial application of chitosan. Highlights • Low molecular weight chitosan salts were prepared. • The low reaction temperature limited the degradation of chitosan. • The product showed high solubility and high antibacterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]