International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry nomenclature

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry nomenclature - Page 1

IUPAC nomenclature is a system of naming chemical compounds and of describing the science of chemistry in general. It is developed and kept up to date under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

The rules for naming organic and inorganic compounds are contained in two publications, known as the Blue Book^[1][2] and the Red Book^[3] respectively. A third publication, known as the Green Book,^[4] describes the recommendations for the use of symbols for physical quantities (in association with the IUPAP), while a fourth, the Gold Book,^[5] contains the definitions of a large number of technical terms used in chemistry. Similar compendia exist for biochemistry^[6] (in association with the IUBMB), analytical chemistry^[7] and macromolecular chemistry ^[8]. These books are supplemented by shorter recommendations for specific circumstances which are published from time to time in the journal Pure and Applied Chemistry.

This article treats the system of nomenclature in general, notably its aims and historical development. Separate articles treat the naming of organic compounds and inorganic compounds in more detail.

Aims of chemical nomenclature