Trivial name
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A trivial name is a name for a chemical compound that has no systematic elements at all,[1] for example urea, water, ammonia. In this sense, a trivial name is distinguished from a semisystematic name and from a systematic name.[1]
In a less technical sense, the term "trivial name" can be used to refer to a name which is in common use but which is not recommended, "the common or vernacular name" as one dictionary puts it,[2] for example ethylene oxide, adipic acid. Here it is distinguished from a retained name and from a systematic name. The two definitions are inconsistent with one another, as can be seen from the examples:
| Name | common use? | systematic elements? | fully systematic? | IUPAC recommended? | IUPAC preferred? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| water | YES | NO | — | YES | YES |
| adipic acid | YES | YES | NO | NO | — |
| acetic acid | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| ethanoic acid | NO | — | YES | ? | NO |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rule R-0.2.3.1. In A Guide to IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds; IUPAC Recommendations 1993; Blackwell Science: Oxford, 1993; p 14. ISBN 0-632-03488-2, <http://www.acdlabs.com/iupac/nomenclature/93/r93_108.htm>.
- ↑ trivial name. Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, <http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/TRIVIAL%20NAME>. (accessed 21 November 2009).
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