Help Wanted: The Chemical Names Project
I have a bit of down time whilst waiting for Big New Job to start. After writing about the confusing naming for the aromatic compound nootkatone over at SciAm, I became curious: How do we learn chemical names? Is there some sort of definitive reference point for how to pronounce tricky compounds?
I propose a fun little experiment: Send me names of strange-looking chemicals, and I'll record myself attempting to pronounce them. Where possible, I'll consult NIST, the Merck Index, the dictionary, and the IPA system to try and provide the best possible answer.*
Ground Rules: The name should be no more than a few syllables long; I'm not looking to pronounce the full IUPAC name for maitotoxin! Regional differences (aluminum / aluminium) won't be accepted. Where possible, try to give me some sort of feel for the origin or etymology of the compound, so I can make a quality recording.
Here's my (short) list of contenders: nootkatone, phenolphthalein, azide, linalool, geissoschizine
Don't Delay! Submit your unpronounceable compounds in the comments today!
*For those who've never heard me speak, I pride myself on clear diction and a relatively flat American accent
 |
| To-MAY-to, To-MAH-to |
Ground Rules: The name should be no more than a few syllables long; I'm not looking to pronounce the full IUPAC name for maitotoxin! Regional differences (aluminum / aluminium) won't be accepted. Where possible, try to give me some sort of feel for the origin or etymology of the compound, so I can make a quality recording.
Here's my (short) list of contenders: nootkatone, phenolphthalein, azide, linalool, geissoschizine
Don't Delay! Submit your unpronounceable compounds in the comments today!
*For those who've never heard me speak, I pride myself on clear diction and a relatively flat American accent
