Volume 80, Issue 2

A structure-based nomenclature system for monocyclic and polycyclic organic macromolecules is presented. Single-strand mono- and polycyclic macromolecules as well as spiro macrocyclic compounds are covered. However, rotaxanes and catenanes, which contain interlocked rings, and rings or ring systems formed by noncovalent bonds are excluded. Also, polypeptides and carbohydrate polymers are not included. The nomenclature of cyclic macromolecules is based on the existing nomenclature of regular and irregular macromolecules, which in turn is based on the nomenclature of organic chemistry also published by IUPAC. The procedure for naming a cyclic macromolecule consists of transforming it to an open-chain regular or irregular macromolecule in such a way that naming of units proceeds in descending order of seniority but otherwise follows the rules established for these types of macromolecules. For polycyclic macromolecules, the same principles are followed after the main ring, bridges, and branch units are identified and locants for branch units as well as bridges are assigned. The complete names are assembled by citing the component names and locants in the appropriate order according to the rules in this document. Wherever possible, examples for illustration of the naming procedure have been chosen from the literature.

Phenomena related to the solubility of solids, liquids, and gases with one another are of interest to scientists and technologists in an array of disciplines. The diversity of backgrounds of individuals concerned with solubility creates a potential for confusion and miscommunication and heightens the need for an authoritative glossary of terms related to solubility. This glossary defines 166 terms used to describe solubility and related phenomena. The definitions are consistent with one another and with recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry for terminology and nomenclature.

The purpose of a chemical structure diagram is to convey information - typically the identity of a molecule - to another human reader or as input to a computer program. Any form of communication, however, requires that all participants understand each other. Recommendations are provided for the display of two-dimensional chemical structure diagrams in ways that avoid ambiguity and are likely to be understood correctly by all viewers. Examples are provided in many areas, ranging from issues of typography and color selection to the relative positioning of portions of a diagram and the rotational alignment of the diagram as a whole. Explanations describe which styles are preferred and which should be avoided. Principal recommendations include: 1) Know your audience: Diagrams that have a wide audience should be drawn as simply as possible; 2) Avoid ambiguous drawing styles; 3) Avoid inconsistent drawing styles.