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. 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>.
  2. trivial name. Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, <http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/TRIVIAL%20NAME>. (accessed 21 November 2009).
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