Understanding CAS Registration Numbers: Your Guide to Chemical Identification

Chemical identification can be complex, especially when dealing with thousands of different compounds used across industries. CAS registration numbers provide a standardized solution that simplifies how we identify and track chemicals worldwide.

Whether you're working in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or research, understanding CAS numbers will help you communicate more effectively about chemical substances and ensure regulatory compliance.

What Are CAS Registration Numbers?

CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) registration numbers are unique numerical identifiers assigned to chemical substances. Created by the American Chemical Society's Chemical Abstracts Service, these numbers provide a universal way to identify specific chemical compounds regardless of their names or molecular formulas.

Each CAS number follows a specific format: two to ten digits, followed by a hyphen, then two digits, another hyphen, and finally one check digit (for example, 64-17-5 for ethanol). This systematic approach ensures that every chemical substance receives a distinct identifier.

The registry contains millions of chemical substances, from simple compounds like water (7732-18-5) to complex pharmaceutical ingredients like Tezacaftor (1152311-62-0).

Why CAS Numbers Matter in Chemical Industries

CAS registration numbers eliminate confusion that can arise from chemical naming conventions. Many chemicals have multiple names or can be written in different ways, but each substance has only one CAS number.

Regulatory Compliance: Government agencies worldwide use CAS numbers for chemical regulations. When filing safety data sheets or import/export documentation, CAS numbers ensure you're referencing the exact chemical substance required by law.

Supply Chain Accuracy: Chemical suppliers and manufacturers rely on CAS numbers to prevent ordering errors. A single digit difference in a CAS number represents a completely different chemical, making precision crucial for procurement teams.

Research and Development: Scientists use CAS numbers to access databases containing properties, safety information, and research literature for specific compounds. This standardization accelerates research and development processes.

How to Use CAS Numbers Effectively

Start by verifying CAS numbers through official databases like SciFinder or the CAS Registry. Free resources like PubChem also provide CAS number verification for many common chemicals.

When sourcing chemicals, always cross-reference the CAS number with the chemical name and molecular formula. This triple-check approach helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures you receive the correct substance.

For international trade, include CAS numbers on all shipping documentation and safety data sheets. Customs officials and regulatory agencies recognize CAS numbers as the authoritative chemical identifier.

Finding Reliable CAS Number Information

Several databases provide CAS number lookup services. The official CAS Registry offers the most comprehensive coverage, though subscription fees apply for full access.

Free alternatives include PubChem, ChemSpider, and individual chemical supplier websites. Many chemical companies, including specialized suppliers like CoreyChem, provide CAS numbers alongside their product listings to help customers verify chemical identities.

Academic institutions often provide access to chemical databases through their libraries, making these resources available to students and researchers.

Your Chemical Identification Solution

CAS registration numbers serve as the backbone of chemical identification across global industries. By understanding and properly using these unique identifiers, you can improve accuracy in chemical procurement, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate clearer communication about chemical substances.

Whether you're sourcing fine chemicals for pharmaceutical development or industrial materials for manufacturing, always verify CAS numbers before making purchasing decisions. This simple step can save time, money, and prevent potentially dangerous mix-ups in chemical handling.

For reliable chemical sourcing with properly verified CAS numbers, consider working with established suppliers who prioritize accuracy and provide comprehensive chemical documentation for all their products.

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