IUPAC names follow an internationally accepted set of rules,and all the chemical compounds get a name according to those rules. In contrast, common names can be any name that does not have common rules. This is the keydifferencebetween IUPAC and Common Names.

Difference between Common Name and IUPAC Names

Common Names:
Common names are the names given to chemical compounds by the general public or by specific industries or fields. They are usually derived from the compound's physical properties, origin, or common usage. Common names can vary across different languages and regions, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Furthermore, common names do not provide any information about the compound's structure or composition.

Example:

One common compound is "aspirin," which is the common name for acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is widely known and used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. However, the common name "aspirin" does not reveal any details about its chemical structure or composition.

IUPAC Names:
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) names are systematic names given to chemical compounds. They follow a set of rules established by the IUPAC to ensure consistency and accuracy in naming. IUPAC names provide a standardized way of identifying compounds and conveying their structure and composition.

Example:

The IUPAC name for aspirin is "2-acetoxybenzoic acid." This name gives clear information about the compound's structure and composition. The prefix "2-" indicates the location of the acetyl group (CH3CO-) on the benzene ring, while "acetoxy" represents the acetyl group itself. The term "benzoic acid" signifies the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to the benzene ring.

Key Differences:

1. Structure Information:
- Common names do not convey any structural information about the compound, while IUPAC names provide a systematic representation of the compound's structure and composition.

2. Consistency:
- Common names can vary across languages and regions, leading to confusion and miscommunication. IUPAC names, on the other hand, follow standardized rules, ensuring consistency and accuracy in naming.

3. Universal Applicability:
- IUPAC names are universally recognized and understood by chemists and scientists worldwide. Common names, however, may differ in different regions or industries and may not be easily understood by individuals outside those specific fields.

4. Precision:
- IUPAC names are more precise as they provide detailed information about the compound's structure, functional groups, and substituents. Common names often lack this level of specificity.

5. Naming Convention:
- IUPAC names follow a specific set of rules established by the IUPAC, ensuring uniformity and clarity in naming compounds. Common names, on the other hand, can be arbitrary and may not follow any specific naming conventions.

In summary, while common names may be more familiar and widely used in everyday language, IUPAC names provide a standardized and precise way of identifying chemical compounds by accurately describing their structure and composition.