U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
the subclass number
preceding each subclass definition or on the
" " icon, below.
( please note that patents for some subclasses may not be available )
For classification search strategies, please refer to the
Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 532
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS -- PART OF THE CLASS 532 - 570 SERIES
Class Definition:
Class 532 is the parent class for the Class 532 series of
classes, the hierarchical arrangement of which is shown below
in Lines With Other Classes And Within This Class.
Class 532 and its integral classes (i.e., the classes of the
532 series) embrace monomeric organic carbon compounds and
polymeric organic carbon compounds that are not solid
synthetic resins, natural rubbers, or hydrocarbons.
For a more complete description of the relationship of this
class and its integral classes to the remainder of the United
States Patent Classification System as it relates to chemical
compounds nd compositions classes, see Lines With Other
Classes Within This Class.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A. HIERARCHICAL RELATIONSHIPS
The arrangement of Class 532 and its integral classes under
the Class 260 umbrella, and its hierarchical relationship
with classes therein, is as follows:
Class 260 Hierarchy
Class 260/1 (Miscellaneous Organic Carbon Compounds)
Class 518 (Fischer-Tropsch Processes)
Class 520/1 (Synthetic Resins & Natural Rubbers)
. Class 521 (Ion-Exchange Polymers, Cellular Products, Waste
Polymer Recovery)
. Class 522 (Wave Energy Polymer Chemistry)
. Class 523/1 (Synthetic Resin Compositions with
Nonreactant Material)
.. Class 524
. Class 525 (Chemically Treated Synthetic Resins,
Compositions of Plural Synthetic Resins)
. Class 526 (Miscellaneous Processes, Synthetic Resins from
Only Ethylenically Unsaturated Monomers)
. Class 527 (Synthetic Resins from Specified Natural
Sources)
. Class 528 (Synthetic Resins from Plant Material of Unknown
Constitution or Specified Reactant)
Class 530 (Natural Resins, Peptides, Proteins, Lignins)
Class 532 (No Patents Here at Present; Intended Future
Residual Subclass After Abolition of Class 260)
. Class 534 (Radioactive or Rare Earth Metal Compounds, Azo
and Diazo Compounds)
. Class 536 (Carbohydrates)
. Class 540/1 (Heterocyclic Carbon Compounds:
Cyclopentanohydrophenanthrene Containing, Four-Membered
Lactams, Porphyrins, Azaporphyrins, Nitrogen Hetero Rings
with Seven or More Hetero Atoms)
.. Class 544 (Six-Membered Nitrogen Hetero Rings with Two or
More Hetero Atoms)
.. Class 546 (Six-Membered Hetero Rings with One Ring
Nitrogen)
.. Class 548 (Five-, Four-, or Three Membered Nitrogen
Hetero Rings)
.. Class 549 (Oxygen or Sulfur Hetero Rings)
. Class 552 (Azides, Triphenylmethanes, Quinones,
Hydroquinones, Steroids)
. Class 554 (Fats, Fatty Derivatives)
. Class 556 (Heavy Metal, Aluminum or Silicon Compounds)
. Class 558 (Esters)
. Class 560 (Esters, including Carboxylic)
. Class 562 (Acids, Acid Halides, Acid Anhydrides, Selenium
& Tellurium Compounds)
. Class 564 (Amino Nitrogen Compounds)
. Class 568 (Boron, Phosphorus, Sulfur, or Oxygen
Compounds)
. Class 260/665R (Carbon-Light Metal Compounds)
. Class 570 (Halogen Compounds)
Class 585 (Hydrocarbons)
B. REFERENCE TO CLASS 260 CLASS DEFINITION
The Class 260 class Definition is applicable, in almost all
respects, to the subject matter of the Class 532 series of
classes. The Class 260 class definition provides a
comprehensive discussion of such topics as:
1. what constitutes an organic compound,
2. mixtures classifiable in compound subclasses,
3. patent placement rule,
4. genus-species relationships,
5. tautomeric forms,
6. intermediate - final product relationships, and other
topics.
The Class 260 definition must be read to gain a complete
understanding of the subject matter of Class 532 and its
integral classes.
Class 532, at present, has only one subclass. This subclass
has no patents. When reclassification of Class 260 is
complete, and Class 260 no longer exists, this subclass will
be the residual home for subject matter of the Class 532
series of classes.
C. MULTI-STEP SYNTHESIS CLAIMS
Many of the schedules in this Series of Classes provide
process subclasses. These are indented under compound
subclasses and embrace processes for the production of the
compounds provided for in said compound subclasses.
The process subclasses are usually based on a type of
reaction (such as "by hydrogenation") or on a type of
starting material (such as "from nitro containing compound")
or on a combination of the above (such as "by hydrogenation
of nitro containing compound").
Many patents claim multistep processes. The problem of which
step of a multistep process claim determines classification
is resolved as follows: The word "directly" will be
appropriately employed in the subclass title when the last
step of forming the compound is to control. If "directly"
does not appear in the title the step which determines
classification may be prior to the final preparation step.
Consider the following two claims.
Claim I - A method of making X by alkylating A to make B,
isomerizing B to make C, and reducing C to make X.
Claim II - A method of making X by reducing A to make B,
alkylating B to make C, and isomerizing C to make X.
which are to be placed in the following schedule:
1. Compounds X
2. . Prepared directly by reduction
3. . Prepared by alkylation
Claim I is placed in subclass 2, because use of "directly" in
a process claim means that the step involved results in
directly obtaining the desired compound.
Claim II is placed in subclass 3. It is not placed in
subclass 2 because, in claim II, the reduction step does not
result in direct production of compound X, i.e., reduction is
not the last step in making the compound. Subclass 3, which
does not specify "directly", will take claim II because of
the alkylating step.
This point is further illustrated by placement of claims I
and II, supra, in the following schedule:
4. Compounds X
5. . Prepared by alkylation
6. . Prepared directly by reduction
Claim I and Claim II must both be placed in subclass 5 since
that subclass provides for alkylation irrespective of whether
compound X is produced directly by the alkylation step or
not. It would not be appropriate to classify the claims in
subclass 6 because any process of making compound X which
includes alkylation is provided for in subclass 5.
Purification or recovery steps would not effect
classification in the above illustrations. Classification is
determined by the controlling synthesis step.
D. SPECIAL RULES FOR CLASSIFYING SALTS
The rule to be utilized in classifying and cross referencing
generic claims to salts in this series of Classes is
clarified here. This rule applies only to salts and is not
to be considered analogous to nor does it apply to other
types of claimed disclosure.
A patent wherein the controlling claim is to a "compound"
(e.g., acid or base) and wherein the claim includes a generic
reference to salts, such as: "and the pharmacologically
acceptable salt thereof", "or therapeutically useful acid
addition salts thereof", "and nontoxic heterocyclic amine
salts thereof", etc., will have its original classification
determined by the "compound" without regard to the generic
reference to the salts thereof. A patent in which the
generic reference to salts is in a separate claim which is
dependent on a claim to the "compound" is considered
equivalent and will also have its original classification
determined by the "compound" without regard to the generic
reference to the salts thereof.
Cross-referencing of such a patent for a salt is mandatory
only when it is clear that the specific salt was actually
made as evidenced by: (a) a "working example" of a specific
salt, (b) a property of a specific salt, such as its melting
point, infrared scan, nuclear magnetic resonance, etc., or
(c) an example of using a specific salt, such as in the
treatment of animal life. Other cross referencing of salts,
such as those which are part of a list in the disclosure, is
optional and should be made only when clearly useful.
When a specific salt is set forth in a claim, the entire
compound will be considered in determining the original
classification, i.e., the original will be placed on the
basis of the first appearing subclass providing for the acid,
base, or salt. A specific salt is considered to be set forth
in a claim when the structure of the salt forming moiety is
clear from the claim or when the claim specifies that a heavy
metal or a specific hetero ring (e.g., "and substituted
morpholine containing salts thereof", etc.) is present in the
salt forming moiety.
Other claims are treated the same as the controlling claim
when considering where to cross reference, i.e., any generic
reference to salts is disregarded as explained above.
E. CLASSIFYING COMPOUNDS OF UNKNOWN STRUCTURE WITHIN THIS
SERIES OR CLASSES.
Classifying compounds of unknown structure in this Series of
Classes is accomplished by considering two possible methods
for classifying them and employing the one which results in
the highest classification in the Series. The two methods
are: 1. Classify according to an element or group of
elements known to be part of the compound. 2. Classify
based on an organic reactant utilized to make the compound.
When considering the first method, compounds are classified
based on any partial structure of the compound which is known
or which can be found by looking up a named compound in
published sources. For example, if a specific alkaloid is
named in a patent and if the structure or partial structure
for that alkaloid can be found, the patent is classified
according to that structure or partial structure. Patents
claiming unnamed alkaloids in general have been classified in
Class 546, subclass 1 on the assumption that alkaloids
usually include a ring consisting of one nitrogen and five
carbons.
Another situation involving unknown structures involves
"oxidized hydrocarbon" in which there is no disclosure as to
the structure of the products. These are placed in Class 568
in an indent under "oxygen containing". All that is known
about them are the elements they contain. However,
sulfurized carbohydrates of unknown structure are placed with
carbohydrates based on the organic starting material. The
"sulfur containing" subclasses are lower in the Series than
carbohydrates in Class 568. Sulfurized nitro containing
organic compounds are classified with "sulfur containing"
because that is higher in the Class 568 schedule than "nitro
containing".
Compounds which are disclosed as carbohydrates, proteins,
lignins, starch, etc., and which are provided for according
to titles of the Series are considered known structures, even
though the exact structure isn't set forth in the patent.
They will be classified as known compounds and will not be
treated as compounds of unknown structure or undetermined
constitution.
F. LINES BETWEEN COMPOSITION CLASSES AND THIS SERIES OF
CLASSES
In general, the 532-570 Series of Classes takes mixtures of
organic compounds only if the mixtures:
(A) result from a chemical process or synthesis wherein a
plurality of carbon compounds are simultaneously formed,
(B) result from a separation process wherein a plurality of
carbon compounds are isolated simultaneously from a natural
source, or
(C) result from the admixture of organic compounds with
preserving or stabilizing agents whose sole function is to
prevent chemical or physical change in the carbon compounds.
In contrast, the Composition Classes, in general, take
mixtures which include organic carbon compounds if the
mixtures are formed by simple physical admixing of preformed
compounds (except those preserved or stabilized mixtures in
(C) above).
The following rules are intended to provide guidance in
placing patents in accord with the principles stated above,
but are superseded by any specific class lines to the
contrary:
(1) Where a mixture normally classifiable in the 532-570
Series is chemically treated as a whole, (where the entire
mixture behaves in the reaction as a compound) the resulting
product will still be classifiable in the 532-570 Series.
(See 5 and 9, infra.).
(2) Where a mixture is treated so as to separate its
components, followed by a reblending thereof, the mixture
will be considered classifiable in an appropriate composition
class based on the disclosed utility.
(3) Where a mixture is altered in composition by adding an
ingredient not originally present, the resulting product will
be considered classifiable in an appropriate composition
class based on disclosed utility.
(4) Where a mixture is treated to remove a component, the
claimed product, if still a mixture, will be considered
classifiable in an appropriate composition class based on
disclosed utility.
(5) Where a mixture is chemically treated so that only some
of the components react (by disclosure), the resulting
mixture of reacted and unreacted components will be
considered classifiable in an appropriate composition class
based on disclosed utility. (See 1, supra.).
(6) Where a mixture is claimed which by disclosure can be
obtained either (1) as a reaction mixture or (2) by
physically admixing the ingredients, and there are no
reaction limitations in the product claims and no reaction
process claims, or if there are claims to both methods of
making the product, the mixture will be classified in the
appropriate composition class based on disclosed utility.
(7) Where a reaction between two or more compounds is carried
out in the presence of an additional compound which remains
intentionally as a significant part of the final mixture, the
mixture will be classified in the appropriate composition
class based on disclosed utility. (e.g. A + B + D = C + D).
(8) Where two or more compounds are reacted under conditions
where an excess of one of the reactants is used so that it
will remain as a significant part of the composition, the
resulting mixture will be classified in the appropriate
composition class based on disclosed utility. (e.g., A + B
in excess = C + B).
(9) Where a mixture of compounds is reacted with another
compound and results in a mixture, it will be classified in
the appropriate composition class based on disclosed utility,
except where the original mixture is one, per se,
classifiable in the 532-570 Series (e.g., (A + B + C) + D =
AD + BD + CD) (See 1, supra.).
(10) Where two or more compounds are reacted under controlled
conditions to give a desired resultant mixture, it will be
classified in the appropriate composition class based on
disclosed utility. The intention must be to get a mixture
having utility as that specific mixture. Reaction mixtures,
in general, are classified as compounds according to the
desired compound produced. Many reaction mixtures have
utility because of a desired compound formed by the reaction
while the other components of the mixture serve no purpose;
these reaction mixtures are classified as compounds. At
least two components of a reaction mixture must be necessary
for a disclosed utility for the reaction mixture to be
classified as a composition.
The 532-570 Series of Classes also includes carbon compounds,
provided for by the Series, when admixed with or dissolved in
a solvent which served as the reaction medium for the
synthesis of the organic compound, unless the mixture or
solution thus formed is claimed, or is solely disclosed, as
having a function or utility provided for in a composition
class.
A water solution of a compound provided for in the 532-570
Series of Classes, whether preserved or not, is classified in
this Series unless the water solution's use is claimed or a
single use for it is disclosed, in which case classification
is in the Class indicated. If plural uses are disclosed, see
the hierarchical rules set forth in the section LINES WITH
OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, in the Class 252
Definition. However, a gel or other colloid system
consisting of a water solution of a compound provided for in
the 532-570 Series of Classes is classified in Class 516 (see
subclasses 98+ for gels), even though no use is claimed or
disclosed.
Patents containing claims to a novel carbon compound dye and
claims to a fiber or material dyed therewith are classified
in the 532-570 Series of Classes, except where the dying
process is also claimed.
The 532-570 Series of Classes also includes carbon compounds,
provided for by the Series, when admixed with a preserving
agent whose sole function is to prevent physical or chemical
change in the carbon compound unless the mixture thus formed
is claimed as having a function or utility provided for in a
composition class. "Preserving agent" is intended to include
an agent which inhibits chemical decomposition of, corrosion
by, or caking of the carbon compound to which it is added.
Preserved compounds classifiable in the 532-570 Series of
Classes are classified on the basis of the carbon compound
preserved even though the preserving agent is itself a carbon
compound provided for in a preceding subclass.
GLOSSARY:
ACYCLIC
This term denotes a compound which does not contain a ring.
ACYCLIC ATOM
This term denotes an atom which is not a ring member. Figure
1 contains acyclic nitrogen while Figure 2 does not contain
acyclic nitrogen [figure] [caption]Figure 1 [figure]
[caption]Figure 2
ACYCLIC BONDING
As used in regard to bonding or attachment of specified
moieties, this term denotes that the moieties are connected
to each other exclusively by atoms and bonds which are not
part of a ring. The compounds in Figure 3 show oxygen
attached to a hetero ring by acyclic bonding. Note that the
sulfur-containing compound also has nitrogen and sulfur
attached to the hetero ring by acyclic bonding. [figure]
[caption]Figure 3
The compounds in Figure 4 would be excluded from a subclass
requiring oxygen attached to a hetero ring by acyclic bonding
since a carbocyclic ring is between the oxygen and the hetero
ring in each structure. [figure] [caption]Figure 4
ALICYCLIC RING OR RING SYSTEM
This term denotes a carbocyclic ring which is not a benzene
ring or a polycyclo carbocyclic ring system which does not
have a benzene ring as one of the cyclos.
ALKENYL
This term denotes an acyclic carbon chain which contains a
carbon-to-carbon double bond and is represented by the
formula -C[subscrpt]n[end subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n-1[end
subscrpt].
ALKENYLENE
This term denotes an acyclic carbon chain which contains a
carbon-to-carbon double bond and is represented by the
formula -(C[subscrpt]n[end subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n-2[end
subscrpt])-.
ALKYL
This term denotes an acyclic carbon or a saturated acyclic
carbon chain represented by the formula -C[subscrpt]n[end
subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n+1[end subscrpt].
ALKYLENE
This term denotes an acyclic carbon or a saturated acyclic
carbon chain represented by the formula C[subscrpt]n[end
subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n-[end subscrpt].
ALKYNYL
This term denotes an acyclic carbon chain which contains a
carbon-to-carbon triple bond and is represented by the
formula -(C[subscrpt]n[end subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n-3[end
subscrpt])-.
ALKYNLENE
This term denotes an acyclic carbon chain which contains a
carbon-to-carbon triple bond and is represented by the
formula -(C[subscrpt]n[end subscrpt]H[subscrpt]2n-4[end
subscrpt]).
AMINO NITROGEN
Denotes any nitrogen in an organic compound other than a
nitrogen in an inorganic ion of an addition salt, a nitro
(-NO[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt]) or nitroso (-NO). Component
parts of an "adduct" will be considered to be attached to
each other ionically except if it is clear that the mode of
attachment is nonionic.
ARYL RING OR RING SYSTEM
This term denotes a benzene ring or a polycyclo carbocyclic
ring system having a benzene ring as one of the cyclos.
ATTACHED DIRECTLY OR BONDED DIRECTLY
These terms are used to show that specified moieties are
connected by bonds only.
ATTACHED INDIRECTLY
This term denotes that at least one atom, as well as bonds,
connects specified moieties.
BENZENE RING
This term includes, in all cases except where there are
explicit limitations to the contrary, substituted benzene
rings, including substitution in the form of an additional
fused or bridged ring or ring system.
Thus, for example, if a subclass reads: "Benzene ring bonded
directly to the five-membered hetero ring", the moiety bonded
directly to the hetero ring may be phenyl, chlorophenyl,
dinitrophenyl, naphthyl, etc. All that is necessary to
satisfy the terminology of the subclass is that a substituted
or unsubstituted benzene ring be bonded directly to the
hetero ring.
CARBOCYCLIC
This term denotes a ring or ring system where all ring
members are carbons.
CHAIN
This term denotes a plurality of atoms which connect
specified groups or atoms. The atoms of the chain must be
nonionically attached to each other and to the specified
groups or atoms. If the chain may not include any ring
members it will be designated as acyclic. When the chain may
include ring members the title will state that the chain may
include a ring. The chain ends where it attaches to the
specified groups or atoms and does not include any part of
them. The chain may have substituents but the substituents
are not part of the chain.
CLATHRATES AND INTERCALATES (INCLUSION COMPOUNDS)
Clathrates and intercalates (inclusion compounds), per se,
are classified hierarchically and subject to the limitations
set forth in the compound (element) classes based both on the
encapsulant and encapsulate. For example, a clathrate of
urea and hydrogen peroxide is classified in Class 564,
subclass 32, urea and an organic compound in Class 564,
subclass 1.5, dextran and iodine in Class 536, subclass 112,
etc. Where a patent does not state that a material is either
a clathrate or an intercalate, the assumption is made that
the material is either a coated or encapsulated product
classified in Class 428, subclasses 402+.
CONTAINING
This term is to be interpreted broadly. In a subclass which
specifies halogen containing, for example, the halogen may be
attached to other parts of the compound by ionic bonding or
nonionic bonding.
Further, the element contained in a material may be in any
form. In a subclass such as-- Heavy metal containing
catalyst (or material) utilized--, the metal may be in
elemental or compound form.
CYCLO
This term refers to a ring of a polycyclo ring system.
HEAVY METAL
This term denotes any metal having a specific gravity greater
than four and includes arsenic.
HETERO RING
This term denotes a ring having carbon and at least one atom
from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur,
selenium and tellurium as ring members; and contains no other
element as a ring member.
To qualify as a hetero ring, nonionic bonding must exist
between all ring members. Inner salt compounds such as
betaines, sulfobetaines, etc., wherein two ring members are
attached to each other by ionic bonding, are not regarded as
hetero rings.
INCLUDING HYDROGENATED
This term, as a parenthetical expression, is used following
the name of a heterocyclic ring or ring system which is
unsaturated, e.g., oxazoles, etc. For example, if a subclass
is entitled "1, 3-Oxazoles (including hydrogenated)",
the parenthetical expression "(including hydrogenated)" means
that the subclass is generic to fully unsaturated
1,3-oxazoles and to 1,3-oxazoles wherein one or two of the
ring double bonds have been replaced by a single bond; i.e.,
the subclass is generic to oxazoles, oxazolines and
oxazolidines.
When the name of such a heterocyclic ring is used in indents
where no degree of ring saturation or unsaturation is
specified, the name of the heterocyclic ring will again be
construed as generic to all possible degrees of ring
saturation and unsaturation.
If, for example, a subclass entitled "Nitrogen bonded
directly to ring carbon of the oxazole ring were indented
under "1, 3-Oxazoles (including hydrogenated" the nitrogen
subclass be construed as embracing nitrogen bonded directly
to the ring carbon of an oxazole, of an oxazoline, or of an
oxazolidine.
When used following the name of a heterocyclic ring system,
such as quinoline, the parenthetical expression indicates
that the subclass is generic to compounds having the fully
unsaturated form of the ring system, as well as to compounds
wherein any number of ring double bonds of the ring system
have been replaced by single bonds. The statement made above,
re indents, is also applicable to heterocyclic ring systems.
INCLUSION COMPOUNDS
See CLATHRATES AND INTERCALATES (INCLUSION COMPOUNDS).
INTERCALATES
See CLATHRATES AND INTERCALATES (INCLUSION COMPOUNDS).
LIGHT METAL
This term denotes any metal having a specific gravity less
than four.
METALS AND NONMETALS
Hydrogen, boron, carbon, silicon, nitrogen, phosphorous,
oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, the noble gases and the
halogens, including astatine, are considered to be nonmetals.
All other elements, including arsenic, are considered
metals.
MONOCYCLIC RING
This term denotes a ring which is not part of a polycyclo
ring system.
NITROCYCLIC
This term denotes a ring or ring system where all ring
members are nitrogens.
NONIONIC BONDING
As used in regard to bonding or attachment of specified
moieties denotes the absence of ionic bonding between the
moieties. If the moieties are attached directly, the bonds
between them must be covalent or coordinate. If the moities
are attached indirectly, each atom of the connecting chain
must be attached by covalent or coordinate bonding to another
atom of the connecting chain or to one of the moieties.
However, the connecting chain may have substituents thereon
which include ionic bonding. Some examples will be given of
compounds which could be classified in a subclass having the
following title: "Oxygen attached indirectly to the
six-membered hetero ring by nonionic bonding". Two typical
compounds which would be classified in such a subclass are
shown in Figure 5. [figure] [caption]Figure 5
The three compounds shown in Figure 6 would also be
classified in such a subclass but they are not typical.
The three atypical examples in Figure 6 are considered to
meet the title since there is a chain of atoms between the
hetero ring and the oxygen in which each atom is connected to
the hetero ring, the oxygen, or another atom of the chain by
nonionic bonding. The ionic bonding between the ring nitrogen
and the oxygen in the two betaine inner salts is additional
and does not keep the betaines out of such a subclass.
[figure] [caption]Figure 6
However, a structure such as that shown in Figure 7 is
excluded since no oxygen is attached indirectly (or directly)
to the six-membered hetero ring by nonionic bonding. [figure]
[caption]Figure 7
The oxygen of an N-oxide, as shown in Figure 8, is considered
attached to the ring by nonionic bonding (coordinate
bonding). [figure] [caption]Figure 8
POLYCYCLO RING SYSTEM
This term denotes a compound which contains fused or bridged
rings. The polycyclo ring system must contain at least two
rings and each ring of the system must share two or more of
its atoms with another ring of the system. All ring members
must be attached to each other by nonionic bonding. The
polycyclo ring system is usually only a moiety within a
compound. Indents such as bicyclo and tricyclo limit the
number of rings or cyclos in the polycyclo ring system to
exactly two rings and three rings, respectively. For
polycyclo systems having bridges, the system is regarded as
composed only of the smallest number of smallest rings that
will account for all atoms and valences. This is in accord
with the nomenclature employed by The Ring Index, Second
Edition, (1960). An example of the use of this system of
nomenclature is shown in Figures 9 and 10, which show two
different possible methods of representing the same compound.
[figure] [caption]Figure 9 [figure] [caption]Figure 10
The represented compound should be considered as a
(C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]4[end
subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt]O) tricyclo system as in
Figure 9, rather than as a (C[subscrpt]4[end
subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]NO-C[subscrpt]2[end
subscrpt]O) tricyclo system as possibly seen in Figure 10.
The former interpretation is the one with the smallest number
of smallest rings that accounts for all atoms and valences.
A further example of the principle set forth above is
illustrated by the compound of Figure 11, which is considered
as a bicyclo system composed of a C[subscrpt]2[end
subscrpt]N[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt]O ring and a
C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]O ring; it is not considered a
diazine ring for classification. [figure] [caption]Figure 11
Another example is 3-azabicyclo {3.1.0} hexane, shown in
Figure 12, which is classified with pyrrolidines by
considering the structure a five-membered ring and a
three-membered ring rather than with piperidines which would
require considering it a six-membered ring. [figure]
[caption]Figure 12
Similarly, the structure shown in Figure 13 is considered to
be a pentacyclo ring system having three six-membered
carbocyclic rings, one five-membered hetero ring consisting
of one ring oxygen and four ring carbons, and one
six-membered ring consisting of one ring nitrogen and five
ring carbons. [figure] [caption]Figure 13
Betaine salts are sometimes shown as ring structures, e.g.,
as shown in Figure 14. [figure] [caption]Figure 14
However, Figure 14 is not a polycyclo ring system because
nonionic bonding does not exist between the N and O atoms. To
be regarded as a hetero ring, nonionic bonding must exist
between all members of a ring. The bonding between the N and
O atoms in Figure 14 is ionic and such a compound is
classified as represented by Figure 15. [figure]
[caption]Figure 15
A structure of the type shown in Figure 16 is considered to
be a polycyclo ring system composed of five rings:
C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]4[end
subscrpt]O-C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]4[end
subscrpt]N-C[subscrpt]4[end subscrpt]O-C[subscrpt]12[end
subscrpt]N[subscrpt]2[end subscrpt]O[subscrpt]2[end
subscrpt]. [figure] [caption]Figure 16
RING HETERO ATOM
This term denotes nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, selenium or
tellurium as a ring member, i.e., as one of the members which
forms a hetero ring.
RING NITROGEN
This term denotes that nitrogen is one of the members which
form a ring. Nitrogen bonded directly to a ring is not a ring
nitrogen. Terms such as ring sulfur and ring oxygen are used
similarly.
SPIRO and SPIRO RING SYSTEM
These terms denote the sharing of one common ring member only
by exactly two rings. The following two structures shown in
Figure 17 are illustrative of spiro systems: [figure]
[caption]Figure 17
A structure such as that of Figure 18 is not spiro because
the "C" shared by the two rings is also shared by a third
ring. [figure] [caption]Figure 18
The common ring member must be attached to two ring members
of each of the rings by nonionic bonding, and nonionic
bonding must exist between all members of a ring in order for
the ring to be regarded as a hetero ring. Thus, the
structures shown in Figures 19 and 20 are excluded from the
category of "spiro ring systems" because ionic bonding exists
between the nitrogen hetero ring atom and an acyclic atom (an
oxygen atom in each case) in the formation of these betaine
inner salts. [figure] [caption]Figure 19 [figure]
[caption]Figure 20
These two structures will be considered and classified in the
forms depicted, respectively, as Figures 21 and 22. [figure]
[caption]Figure 21 [figure] [caption]Figure 22
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000