IUPAC Nomenclature
The systematic naming rules issued by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry that assign each substance one unambiguous name.
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The rules identify a parent chain or central atom, then encode substituents, functional groups, oxidation states and stereochemistry through prefixes, suffixes and locants. A systematic name can be read directly into a structure and back again, which is essential for databases, patents and safety documentation.
Examples in the real world
2-methylbutane rather than isopentane; iron(III) chloride rather than ferric chloride; ethanoic acid for acetic acid.