Functions of chemical nomenclature

The first level of nomenclature, beyond the assignment of totally trivial names, gives some systematic information about a substance but does not allow the inference of composition. Most of the common names of the oxoacids (e.g. sulfuric acid, perchloric acid) and of their salts are of this type. Such names may be termed semi-systematic and as long as they are used for common materials and understood by chemists, they are acceptable. However, it should be recognized that they may hinder compositional understanding by those with limited chemical training. 

When a name itself allows the inference of the stoichiometric formula of a compound according to general rules, it becomes truly systematic. Only a name at this second level of nomenclature becomes suitable for retrieval purposes. 

The desire to incorporate information concerning the three-dimensional structures of substances has grown rapidly and the systematization of nomenclature has therefore had to expand to a third level of sophistication. Few chemists want to use such a degree of sophistication every time they refer to a compound, but they may wish to do so when appropriate. 

A fourth level of nomenclature may be required for the compilation and use of extensive indexes. Because the cost to both compiler and searcher of multiple entries for a given substance may be prohibitive, it becomes necessary to develop systematic hierarchical rules that yield a unique name for a given substance. 

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IR-1.2.1 International cooperation on inorganic nomenclature IR-1.3 Aims of chemical nomenclature IR-1.4 Functions of chemical nomenclature IR-1.5 Methods of inorganic nomenclature IR-1.5.1 Formulation of rules IR-1.5.2 Name construction IR-1.5.3 Systems of nomenclature IR-1.5.3.1 General... 

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