Final answer:
The ascending limb of the loop of Henle is impermeable to water but freely permeable to NaCl.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area of the loop of Henle that is impermeable to water but freely permeable to NaCl is the Ascending limb. The ascending limb of the loop of Henle is completely impermeable to water due to the absence of aquaporin proteins, but ions, mainly Na+ and Cl-, are actively reabsorbed by a cotransport system. This leads to the removal of NaCl and the creation of a hyperosmotic environment in the kidney medulla.