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Graphene isn’t called carbonene, but, via graphite, indirectly derived from the Greek word γράφειν (to write) To be consistent, they’d derive from the Greek wo
by Someone 3y ago
Graphene isn’t called carbonene, but, via graphite, indirectly derived from the Greek word γράφειν (to write)
To be consistent, they’d derive from the Greek word for gold, which is [1] χρυσός (chrysós).
[1] or at least similar to. My greek isn’t good, and that’s an understatement.
- bl0rg 3y agoGraphite is a pretty common word, and it's easy to make the connection between that and what graphene is. Same goes for gold and goldene. Not so much for chrysos and chrysene.
- Tabular-Iceberg 3y agoThe point of systematic naming is predictability through consistency, not appealing to the lowest common denominator. But Sweden isn’t exactly known for its stellar educational system, so it doesn’t surprise me that their chemists don’t learn Greek.
- speed_spread 3y agoAncient Greece wasn't known for its great chemical industry.
- Tabular-Iceberg 3y agoTell that to IUPAC, I don’t make the rules.
- temp0826 3y agoThe most Greek a chemistry student in the states would get is from frat parties
- anthk 3y agoAurene then, from Latin aurum. Also, in Spanish áureo it's still used as 'golden'.