A Nomenclature for Simple Chemicals

Going into chemical labs, it can be readily observed that basic organic chemicals are abbreviated in a different way. The acronyms used vary from department to department, even within a single university or company site. Obviously, nobody takes care that the experimenters label their bottles with the chemicals in a unique manner. For example, phthalic anhydride is abbreviated as PA, PSA, or PAN, the latter acronym being readily confused with poly(acrylonitrile). 

Basic organic compounds can be addressed using a simple nomenclature system (SNS). In particular, for basic industrial chemicals standardized abbreviations can be established. In certain cases, these abbreviations are still shorter than the molecular formula. 

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