An international, non-governmental organization whose purpose is to address many global issues involving the chemical sciences. Their web site is www.iupac.org. The primary goal of the IUPAC is fostering worldwide communications in the chemical sciences. To accomplish this task, it is imperative that chemists across all sectors use a common language. IUPAC is the recognized world authority on chemical nomenclature (system of naming), terminology, standardized methods for measurement, atomic weights and many other critically evaluated data. Additional Info: IUPAC was formed in 1919 by chemists from industry and academia who recognized the need for international standardization in chemistry. The standardization ofweights, measures, names and symbols is essential to the well being and continued success of the scientific enterprise and to the smooth development and growth of international trade and commerce. IUPAC is an association of chemical societies that represent the chemists of 45 countries. Almost 1,000 chemists throughout the world are engaged on a voluntary basis in the scientific work of IUPAC. IUPAC's focus includes: (1) Nomenclature (naming) in inorganic and organic chemistry. (2) Standardization of atomic weights. (3) Standardization of physical constants. (4) Maintaining tables of properties of matter. (5) Establishing commissions for the review of work. (6) Standardization of the formats of publications. (7) Measures required to prevent repetition of publications. MSDS Relevance: The IUPAC-approved name(s) of the chemical(s) in a material should always be listed on an MSDS. Chemicals named according to IUPAC nomenclature are unique and allow one to quickly find health or safety information unlike a chemical formula or trivial name. In one sense, IUPAC names function in the same was as a CAS number, although CAS numbers are usually much more compact. See also: Chemical, Organic