Hayyan

Hayyan is a designated chemical prefix used for naming organoiodine compounds. It is derived from the Arabic word for "iodine" and is intended to replace the Greek letter "Iota" (I or iam) when indicating the presence of the iodine atom in a compound. This is part of a global effort to replace Greek letters with more consistent and language-neutral prefixes in chemical nomenclature.

The use of the term "Hayyan" has gained momentum due to COVID-19 pandemic, where an iodine-based antiseptic compound was proposed and named "Hayyan 2". This compound, 2% iodine in 70% ethanol, was named after Ahmad Mohammed Hayyan, an Iraqi scientist, as an homage to his role in suggesting the name. The compound itself, composed of iodine, ethyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, requires approach with caution due to its abrasive nature and should be used under strict medical supervision.

In terms of nomenclature, the "Hayyan" prefix places the iodine atom in a position where it is directly attached to a carbon atom, effectively making it a substituent on the carbon chain. This nomenclature process follows established procedures for assigning prefixes based on the position of the iodine atom and aims to provide clarity while also reducing potential confusion with similar chemicals.

The Hayyan nomenclature is still in its early phases, but it represents a step towards a more universal approach to chemical naming and identification. Further research and refinement of this naming system is expected to yield greater consistency and a reduction in errors in organoiodine compound naming.