Is it semantically correct to use the <math> tag to write chemical equations?

Question

I have been writing chemical equations in HTML files using the $$ element.

For example, to display MnSO4, I would enter:

<math>
    <mi>M</mi>
    <mi>n</mi>
    <mi>S</mi>
    <msub>
        <mi>O</mi>
        <mn>4</mn>
    </msub>
</math>

Is this semantically correct? If not, can you recommend an alternative?

Answer 1

MathML is "an XML-based language for describing

In contrast, Chemical formulas are always "limited to a single line of printed symbols, which may include subscripts and superscripts."

Because MathML is for math (not chemistry) and chemical formulas never require more than one line of text, use (superscript) and (subscript) HTML native element. p>

<p>Plants require CO<sub>2</sub> for photosynthesis.</p>

You may also consider combining this with the abbreviation element (if you need to semantically annotate chemical names).

<p>Plants require <abbr title="carbon dioxide">CO<sub>2</sub></abbr> for photosynthesis.</p>

You may also consider using Idiomatic text for offsetting chemical equations from other text. This element is used to represent "a series of text that differs from normal text for some reason, such as idiomatic text, technical terms, classification names, etc."

<p>Hydrogen and oxygen can combine to form water: <i>2H<sub>2</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → 2H<sub>2</sub>O</i></p>