InChI Requirements for Representation of Polymers

The IUPAC International Chemical Identifier (InChI) algorithm is now well established as a powerful means of denoting a well-defined chemical structure as a unique machine-readable character string, suitable for electronic data storage, searching and exchange. The IUPAC Division VIII InChI Subcommittee is now working on widening the range of applicability of the Identifier, and with this in mind is creating a number of projects designed to facilitate various extensions. In each case the aim is to define precisely the requirements for structural representation in areas of chemistry not currently handled satisfactorily by InChI, bearing in mind that these requirements are to be translated into extensions of the InChI algorithm. Discussions will take place by e-mail and at two face-to-face (annual) meetings. Once established, the requirements will be applied to the necessary software development by contractors appointed and paid by the InChI Trust, a non-profit entity funded by external organizations that use and benefit from the InChI algorithm. The present project is devoted to development of recommendations for representation of polymeric substances enabling their treatment by InChI procedures and computer treatment in general. The discussions will take into account the conclusions of a Division VIII working group meeting on this topic in Prague on June 3rd 2005.