How does IUPAC name a new element?

In one line

The rule

IUPAC gives a temporary name to a new element using Latin/Greek roots for its atomic number, ending with '-ium', until a permanent name is decided.

Temporary name formula: Root for each digit of atomic number + -ium

Let's understand it simply

Imagine you find a new cricket team, but no one knows what to call it yet. So, you give it a temporary name based on its jersey number, like "Team 119". Later, when the team becomes famous, you give it a real name, like "Super Strikers".

IUPAC does the same for new elements. First, it gives a temporary name using the element's atomic number. Each digit is replaced by a special root word. For example, 1 = 'un', 2 = 'bi', 3 = 'tri', and so on. Then, they add '-ium' at the end. Later, the scientists who discovered it suggest a permanent name, often to honour a person, place, or property.

How it works

1. Check the atomic number: Find the atomic number of the new element (for example, 118).
2. Break into digits: Split the number into single digits (1, 1, 8).
3. Replace each digit with its root:

• 0 = nil
• 1 = un
• 2 = bi
• 3 = tri
• 4 = quad
• 5 = pent
• 6 = hex
• 7 = sept
• 8 = oct
• 9 = enn

1. Join the roots: Write the roots together in order (for 118: un-un-oct).
2. Add '-ium': Add '-ium' at the end (ununoctium).
3. Remove double letters: If two roots together make a double letter (like 'bi-ium'), remove one (so it becomes 'bium').
4. Permanent name: After confirmation, the discoverers suggest a name, which IUPAC reviews and approves.

The story behind it

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) is a global group of chemists. In the 1970s and 1980s, scientists started making new elements in labs. But arguments broke out about what to call them. To avoid confusion, IUPAC made a clear rule for temporary names, so everyone could talk about these elements before they got a real name. One fun fact: element 118 was called "ununoctium" before it got its real name, "oganesson".

Where you see it in real life

• Periodic table posters: You may see names like "ununseptium" (element 117) before it was named "tennessine".
• Science news: When a new element is discovered, news reports use the temporary IUPAC name until a real name is chosen.
• Chemistry Olympiads: Students use these names for elements beyond uranium (atomic number 92).
• Research papers: Scientists use the temporary name in their reports before the official name is decided.
• Quiz shows: Sometimes, quizmasters ask for the IUPAC name of a new element.
• School textbooks: Older books may still show temporary names if the element was new at the time.

Why it matters

• Clear communication: Scientists worldwide can talk about new elements without confusion.
• No arguments: Avoids fights over naming rights until the discovery is confirmed.
• Systematic naming: Helps students and researchers know the atomic number from the name itself.
• Exam questions: This rule is often asked in competitive exams and Olympiads.

Worked example

Let's name element 115 using IUPAC rules:

Given: Atomic number = 115
Step 1: Break into digits: 1, 1, 5
Step 2: Replace with roots: un-un-pent
Step 3: Join roots: ununpent
Step 4: Add '-ium': ununpentium
Step 5: Check for double letters: none here
Step 6: Final temporary name: ununpentium

Common mistakes

• Mixing up roots: Using the wrong root for a digit (e.g., 'oct' for 7 instead of 8).
• Forgetting '-ium': Not adding '-ium' at the end.
• Not removing double letters: Leaving double 'i' or 'n' in the name.
• Using permanent name too soon: Using the real name before IUPAC approves it.

Remember it

Temporary names use roots for each digit of the atomic number + '-ium'.