Give The Common Names For Each Compound

Common Names of Chemical Compounds: A Comprehensive Guide

Chemical compounds, the building blocks of our world, often possess both systematic (IUPAC) names and common names. While the systematic names are crucial for unambiguous identification in scientific literature, common names are widely used in various fields, from everyday conversations to industrial applications. Understanding both naming systems is essential for clear communication and comprehension. This comprehensive guide explores the common names of numerous chemical compounds, categorized for easy navigation and understanding. We'll delve into the history, usage, and context behind these commonly used names.

Inorganic Compounds: Common Names and Their Origins

Inorganic chemistry encompasses a vast array of compounds, many of which have long-standing, often historically derived, common names. These names frequently reflect the compound's source, properties, or historical significance.

Water and its Related Compounds

Water: The most ubiquitous compound, H₂O, requires no introduction. Its common name, "water," is deeply ingrained in all languages.
Hydrogen Peroxide: H₂O₂, a powerful oxidizing agent, is commonly known as "hydrogen peroxide," a name reflecting its composition.
Heavy Water: D₂O, where D represents deuterium (heavy hydrogen), is commonly called "heavy water" due to its higher density compared to regular water.

Acids and Bases

Sulfuric Acid: H₂SO₄, a highly corrosive acid, is known simply as "sulfuric acid." Its common name is directly derived from its chemical composition.
Hydrochloric Acid: HCl, a strong acid, is universally known as "hydrochloric acid."
Nitric Acid: HNO₃, another strong acid used in various industrial processes, retains its systematic name as its common name.
Sodium Hydroxide: NaOH, a strong base, is widely known as "caustic soda" or "lye," reflecting its corrosive properties.
Ammonia: NH₃, a pungent-smelling gas, retains its common name, "ammonia," which has been used for centuries.
Potassium Hydroxide: KOH, a strong base, is commonly known as "caustic potash."

Salts and Oxides

Sodium Chloride: NaCl, table salt, retains its common name, "salt," though its formal systematic name is sodium chloride. This is a prime example of a common name completely supplanting the systematic name in everyday usage.
Baking Soda: NaHCO₃, sodium bicarbonate, is universally known as "baking soda" due to its leavening properties in baking.
Washing Soda: Na₂CO₃, sodium carbonate, is commonly called "washing soda" because of its historical use as a cleaning agent.
Epsom Salt: MgSO₄·7H₂O, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is known as "Epsom salt" due to its origin in Epsom, England.
Quicklime: CaO, calcium oxide, is commonly referred to as "quicklime" because of its rapid reaction with water.
Slaked Lime: Ca(OH)₂, calcium hydroxide, is known as "slaked lime" after its preparation from quicklime and water.
Rust: Fe₂O₃·xH₂O, hydrated iron(III) oxide, is a common name for the reddish-brown coating that forms on iron due to oxidation.

Organic Compounds: Common Names and their Diverse Applications

Organic chemistry, the chemistry of carbon compounds, boasts an even richer tapestry of common names. Many arose before the development of systematic nomenclature and often reflect the compound's source, smell, or application.

Hydrocarbons

Methane: CH₄, the simplest alkane, retains its systematic name as its common name.
Ethane: C₂H₆, another simple alkane, also retains its systematic name.
Propane: C₃H₈, commonly used as fuel, is widely known by its systematic name.
Butane: C₄H₁₀, also a common fuel, retains its systematic name.
Benzene: C₆H₆, a highly aromatic hydrocarbon, keeps its systematic name.
Toluene: C₇H₈, a common solvent, retains its systematic name.
Xylene: A mixture of three isomers (o-, m-, p-xylene), all with the formula C₈H₁₀. Retains its common name.
Naphthalene: C₁₀H₈, a white crystalline solid with a strong odor, retains its common name.

Alcohols

Ethanol: C₂H₅OH, the alcohol in alcoholic beverages, is commonly called "alcohol" or "ethanol."
Methanol: CH₃OH, a highly toxic alcohol, keeps its systematic name, though sometimes referred to as "wood alcohol."
Isopropyl Alcohol: (CH₃)₂CHOH, commonly used as rubbing alcohol, generally retains its systematic name.
Glycerol (Glycerin): C₃H₅(OH)₃, a trihydric alcohol, is often referred to as glycerin.

Aldehydes and Ketones

Formaldehyde: HCHO, a highly reactive aldehyde, is universally known as "formaldehyde."
Acetaldehyde: CH₃CHO, another aldehyde, commonly retains its systematic name.
Acetone: (CH₃)₂CO, a common solvent, keeps its systematic name.

Carboxylic Acids

Acetic Acid: CH₃COOH, the main component of vinegar, is widely known as "acetic acid" or "vinegar acid."
Formic Acid: HCOOH, found in ant stings, is commonly known as "formic acid," derived from the Latin word for ant, formica.
Butyric Acid: CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH, responsible for the rancid smell of butter, keeps its systematic name.
Citric Acid: A tricarboxylic acid, found in citrus fruits, is widely known by its common name.
Lactic Acid: A hydroxycarboxylic acid, found in sour milk, commonly retains its systematic name.

Esters

Ethyl Acetate: CH₃COOCH₂CH₃, a common solvent with a fruity odor, generally keeps its systematic name.
Methyl Salicylate: C₈H₈O₃, the main component of oil of wintergreen, is known by its common name.

Amines

Aniline: C₆H₅NH₂, an aromatic amine, retains its common name.

Other Important Organic Compounds

Urea: (NH₂)₂CO, a nitrogen-containing compound used in fertilizers and plastics, is widely known as "urea."
Glucose: C₆H₁₂O₆, a simple sugar, keeps its common name.
Fructose: C₆H₁₂O₆, another simple sugar, also retains its common name.
Sucrose: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, table sugar, is known by its common name.
Aspirin: Acetylsalicylic acid, a common pain reliever, is almost exclusively known by its common name.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): A common pain reliever and fever reducer, predominantly known by its common name.

The Importance of Both Systematic and Common Names

While common names are convenient and widely understood in specific contexts, systematic nomenclature (IUPAC nomenclature) is essential for unambiguous identification in scientific research and industrial applications. Ambiguity can lead to errors, particularly in complex chemical reactions or formulations. Therefore, familiarity with both naming systems is critical for anyone working in or studying chemistry.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the common names of various chemical compounds. However, it is not exhaustive. Many more compounds possess common names widely used within specialized fields or industries. The evolution of common names often reflects historical usage and practical considerations.

Conclusion: Navigating the World of Chemical Names

Mastering both common and systematic names empowers effective communication in the chemical sciences and related fields. Remember that while common names offer convenience, the systematic name is the only guaranteed way to ensure unambiguous identification of a chemical compound. This guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding the diverse landscape of chemical naming conventions and their historical context. Continued exploration and consultation of reliable chemical databases are encouraged for comprehensive understanding.