Which term means a precise description of a drug's molecular structure?

• A. Chemical name
• B. Generic name
• C. Trade name
• D. Official name

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is naming conventions for drugs and what each name conveys. The chemical name is designed to encode the exact structure of the molecule—the arrangement of atoms, bonds, and stereochemistry—so it uniquely identifies the compound at the molecular level. It’s often long and technical, used mainly in research and regulatory contexts where precise structure matters. In contrast, the generic name names the active ingredient without detailing its structure, the trade name is simply the brand under which a product is sold, and the official name in regulatory settings may align with the generic name rather than providing a structural description. Because it provides a precise, unambiguous description of the molecule’s structure, the chemical name is the best fit.