Chemical name

Chemical name refers to the systematic name given to a chemical substance based on the set of rules established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Chemical names provide a standard way of identifying a substance, regardless of its other common or trade names.

Overview

Chemical names are used to provide a precise description of a substance's molecular structure, which is important in chemistry and related fields like pharmacology and toxicology. They are typically long and complex, as they must accurately represent the molecular structure of the substance.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The IUPAC nomenclature is a system of naming chemical substances and describing the science of chemistry in a less ambiguous way. It includes rules for naming compounds of organic and inorganic chemistry, polymers, biochemicals, and natural products.

Organic and Inorganic Compounds

Chemical names for organic compounds generally include the names of the carbon chain and functional groups attached to it. For inorganic compounds, the chemical name usually includes the elements present and their ratios.

Importance

Chemical names are crucial in the world of science and industry. They allow scientists to understand the structure and properties of a substance, and they enable accurate communication about these substances across different languages and regions.

See also

• Chemical formula
• Chemical compound
• Chemical structure
• Chemical nomenclature