A System of Notation for Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

I SHOULD like to invite attention to a system of notation I am using for petroleum hydrocarbons. In recent years the tendency to invent trade names (such as 'triptane' for 2,2,3-trimethyl butane) is understandable, but is to be deplored as a retrograde step away from unification and systematization. There is no need to depart from the international system of nomenclature if some simple system of notation is used for groups of atoms. The accompanying table contains a list which I have found suitable. It applies generally to hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range and a few simple substituted derivatives.