List of chemical classifications

Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties. Whereas the structural properties are largely intrinsic, functional properties and the derived classifications depend to a certain degree on the type of chemical interaction partners on which the function is exerted. Sometimes other criteria like purely physical ones (e.g. molecular weight) or – on the other hand – functional properties above the chemical level are also used for building chemical taxonomies.

Some systems mix the various levels, resulting in hierarchies where the domains are slightly confused, for example having structural and functional aspects end up on the same level. Whereas chemical function is closely dependent on chemical structure, the situation becomes more involved when e.g. pharmacological function is integrated, because the QSAR can usually not be directly computed from structural qualities.

Physico-chemical

by molecular weight
by electrical charge: uncharged, positively, negatively, partially charged
- formal charge, oxidation state
solubility
pH value (or pKA value)

Functional

by functional groups
by biological activity (mostly appropriate only for large biological molecules (as at least one interacting partner), in particular enzymes, depends on chemical functions of their constituent amino acids)
- ligand vs. receptor, coenzyme
- EC number
- TC number
- pharmacophore vs. non-drug
General commercial classification of chemicals^[1]

Mixed systems and directories

Historical

Döbereiner's triads

References

^ Encyclopedia of chemical technology. 6: Chlorocarbons and chlorohydrocarbons-C2 to combustion technology (6th ed.). New York: Wiley. 1993. p. 536. ISBN 978-0-471-52674-2.
^ "Purpose of the ATC/DDD system". WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2021.

External links

Media related to Chemical classification at Wikimedia Commons

[KOT536-1] Encyclopedia of chemical technology. 6: Chlorocarbons and chlorohydrocarbons-C2 to combustion technology (6th ed.). New York: Wiley. 1993. p. 536. ISBN 978-0-471-52674-2.

[2] "Purpose of the ATC/DDD system". WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. Archived from the original on 14 January 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2021.

[1]

[2]