Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: A structure-based nomenclature for regular single-strand organic polymers is described. In concept, a generic name for the polymer (ABC)_n is poly(ABC), in which (ABC) is a constitutional repeating unit (CRU) representing the chemical structure of the polymer chain, and A, B, and C are the subunits that comprise the CRU. To provide a unique and unambiguous name, rules are given to identify the preferred CRU and to name it using the names of A, B, and C based on current organic nomenclature. Provisions are made for naming end-groups of the polymers and the polymer substituents. In addition, the document contains a glossary of concepts and definitions, a list of common subunit names, and a variety of examples of structure-based polymer names. The document is a revision of the 1975 Rules.