Buzz
Molecules are the fundamental components of everything around us. Their interactions enable us to think, move, and experience emotions, as well as providing us with endless natural wonders. While some molecules are simple, others are remarkably intricate. To categorize them all, scientists adhere to precise naming conventions that describe their structures, characteristics, or the circumstances of their discovery. This leaves little room for whimsical names, but occasionally, one sneaks in.
12. Arsole
Arsole is a pyrrole molecule that contains an arsenic atom. Its name follows the standard chemical naming conventions, but it’s still a rather amusing one.
11. Basketane
Basketane consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds, classifying it as an alkane. Alkanes are molecules whose names typically end with –ane. The structure of Basketane is reminiscent of a basket, which is how it earned its name.
10. Bastardane
Originally referred to as “nonacyclodocosane, a bastard tetramantane” because it was considered an unwanted offshoot or derivative of tetramantane. After being detailed in a scientific paper, the term “bastardize” was immediately adopted by researchers to describe it.
9. Broken Windowpane
This molecule resembles a classic window missing one pane. It falls under the category of fenestrane molecules, a term derived from the Romantic word for window.
8. Cadaverine
Found in decaying animal tissues, cadaverine emits a dreadful odor and is despised by those working with cadavers. Related compounds include putrescine and spermine.
7. Cubane
Similar to basketane, cubane is an alkane, meaning its name ends in –ane. Its name is derived from its cube-like shape. Other alkanes named after three-dimensional shapes include tetrahedron, which resembles a tetrahedron, and dodecadrane, which takes the form of a dodecagon.
6. Cumingtonite
This mineral received its unfortunate name from the location where it was discovered: Cummington, Massachusetts, USA. It is also more appropriately referred to as magnesium iron silicate hydroxide.
5. DEAD
A toxic carcinogen whose name fittingly serves as an acronym for DiEthyl AzoDicarboxylate.
4. Draculin
This large molecule is present in the saliva of vampire bats and is named after the famous vampire Count Dracula.
3. Penguinone
This remarkable molecule belongs to the ketone family, whose names typically end in –one, and yet it unmistakably resembles a penguin. As a result, scientists have dubbed it penguinone.
2. Ladderane
A set of organic molecules containing alkanes (hence the –ane suffix in their names) that also bear a striking resemblance to a ladder.
1. Fucitol
This molecule is part of the alcohol family, so its name ends in –ol. It was first discovered in the seaweed Fucus vesiculosis, which led to the peculiar name fucitol (pronounced with a hard ‘c’). Compounds derived from fucose, a sugar found in the seaweed, are often abbreviated with ‘fuc’. For example, fucose kinase is abbreviated as fuc-K, and another form is fuc-U.
