What does IUPAC stand for?

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is also known as the IUPAC. The group represents chemists in many different countries and strives to standardize nomenclature and terminology throughout the world of chemistry.

Originally, the union was founded to keep chemists on the same page regarding measurements and names of compounds. While the modern-day IUPAC still names compounds, it also aims to strengthen chemistry as a science in general. More specifically, the group internally chooses to fund and research projects it deems important to Earth and humankind, such as how certain compounds react to the air, water or human beings.