The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has made available for public comment one document on provisional recommendations for nomenclature, the synopsis of which follows:

Draft IUPAC Nomenclature of Regular Single-Strand Organic Macromolecules

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 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 (Pure Appl. Chem., 1976, 48, 373-385).

Anyone wishing to review the document may obtain a (paper) copy from:

Anne C. O'Melia, Journals Department

American Chemical Society

2540 Olentangy River Road

P.O. Box 3330

Columbus, OH 43210

The deadline for receipt of comments is 30th April 2000.