User:R8R/Unun- elimination proposal

This proposal suggests changing titles of superheavy unnamed elements (such as ununseptium) to a different format, element 117, making it the default version of how such elements should be referred to and a part of Naming conventions (chemistry).

This was originally suggested and approved at the relevant Project:Elements (see here and here).

The original names for the articles of this kind are IUPAC-created words, composed of three names of digits. IUPAC is a respected organization (for example, it takes part in approving a discovery of a new element), which makes a serious ground on having the current names; nevertheless, despite the respect, this kind of names is not used by researchers (compare: 287 hits for "ununseptium" vs 2,830 hits for "element 117" via Google Scholar; the ratio is ~9.86).

Since IUPAC is well-respected and the name has uses, it is, however, not suggested these "unun-" names should be invalid (indeed, this name has usage, even slightly exceeding the other one. 395,000 hits vs 313,000 hits via Google; the ratio is ~1.26, indicating both names are used) article currently called ununseptium should start with the sentences, "Element 117 or ununseptium is a superheavy artificial chemical element with the atomic number 117. Its chemical symbol is 117 or (117) if the former name is used or Uus if the latter is used."; the section on naming should describe both names; throughout the article, the element should be called "element 117."

Also, the proposed usage is not too bad with IUPAC, they acknowledge its existence: "Newly discovered elements may be referred to in the scientific literature but until they have received permanent names and symbols from IUPAC, temporary designators are required. Such elements may be referred to by their atomic numbers, as in 'element 120' for example, but IUPAC has approved a systematic nomenclature and series of three-letter symbols (see Table II)." (see here, page 47 of the document/page 59 of the .pdf file)

(It should be noted the proposed names are easy to remember, since they reflect the main property of an element, its atomic number, and they could be understood by people used to the IUPAC system, so the switchover would not be too difficult. In fact, once established, this system should show itself useful. The current system is not that easy to use. Additionally, it should be noted the usage of "ununseptium" and the like partially stems from its current usage on Wikipedia, as Wikipedia is a well-known source for not too serious secondary research.)