What is the Difference Between IUPAC and Common Names?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between IUPAC and common names lies in the rules and conventions used to name chemical compounds. Here are the key differences:
- Origin: IUPAC names are standardized names given to organic compounds using official naming rules, while common names are older names that are not official but are sometimes used interchangeably with IUPAC names.
- Rules: IUPAC names follow an internationally accepted set of rules, and every chemical compound gets a name according to those rules. In contrast, common names can be any name that does not have common rules, and they are often easier to remember and more familiar to people.
- Structure-Based: IUPAC names are directly related to the chemical structure of the compound, considering functional groups, side chains, and other special bonding patterns in the molecule. Common names, on the other hand, are not necessarily related to the structure and may not follow any specific rules.
- Examples: For example, the chemical compound acetic acid is named "ethanoic acid" according to IUPAC nomenclature. Another example is ethanol, which has the IUPAC name "ethyl alcohol" and the common name "grain alcohol".
In summary, IUPAC names are systematic and structure-based, while common names are more arbitrary and familiar. It is essential to be acquainted with both naming conventions, as they may be used interchangeably in various contexts.
Comparative Table: IUPAC vs Common Names
The difference between IUPAC and common names in organic chemistry lies in the purpose and structure of the naming conventions. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
| Property | IUPAC Nomenclature | Common Nomenclature |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To establish an international standard of naming compounds to facilitate communication. | To provide simple and intuitive names for organic compounds, often derived from their source or physical properties. |
| System | Based on the longest chain of carbons connected by single, double, or triple bonds, with a set of rules for naming substituents and their positions. | Often based on the source or physical properties of the compound, and may not follow a consistent set of rules. |
| Consistency | Provides a unique and unambiguous name for each structure, and correlates each name with a unique and unambiguous structure. | May not provide a unique name for each structure, as some common names are used for multiple compounds or can be easily confused. |
| Examples | 2-methylpropan-1-ol (IUPAC) vs. isopropanol (Common) | Benzene (IUPAC) vs. Phenyl (Common) |
IUPAC nomenclature follows a set of rules and provides a unique name for each compound, ensuring clear communication among chemists. On the other hand, common names are often more intuitive and easy to remember but may not provide unique names for each compound, leading to potential confusion.
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