*Simple Molecular Formula question - Thanks

[nukeman]

Homework Statement

I have to write the formula for Chloroform. As seen in this image:

Now I know it has 3 atoms of CL, 1 atom of C, and 1 atom of H.

I know the answer is CHCl3

But...why is that order. Why not Cl3CH ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[danago]

As far as I am aware, it is just the convention in organic chemistry to write the C and then follow with the things attached to that carbon. I don't think there is any reason to consider Cl3CH as incorrect (it still gives the same information as CHCl3), but maybe slightly unconventional?

 

[Borek]

Just one of conventions used: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_system

For more details see IUPAC Red Book (pdf), chapter IR-4.4.