What is a CAS number? –A global identity card for chemical substances
The “CAS number” is a very common and important concept in the chemical industry, whether you are a chemist, a researcher or a chemical production professional. Whether you are a chemist, a researcher or a professional working in the chemical industry, it is essential that you know and use the CAS number.What is the CAS number? Why is it so important? In this article, we will explore these questions in depth.
1. Definition and origin of CAS number
CAS number, known as Chemical Abstracts Service Number, is a unique identification number assigned to each chemical substance by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in the U.S. The CAS number usually consists of three sets of numbers separated by a short horizontal line, e.g. 123-45-6. This numbering system was initiated in 1965 to provide a uniform and standardised method of identifying chemical substances on a global scale. 2.
2. Structure and meaning of CAS numbers
The structure of the CAS number is simple and straightforward, but it has a deep meaning behind it. Each of the first three sets of numbers represents different information: the first set of numbers usually indicates the order in which a particular chemical substance is ranked in its category; the second set of numbers is used to further subdivide the substance type; and the third set of numbers is a check digit that ensures the accuracy and uniqueness of the number. With this number, any chemical substance can be accurately identified, whether it is a complex organic compound or a simple inorganic salt.
3. Application of CAS numbers in the chemical industry
The CAS number has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. It is used in the purchase and sale of chemicals. As CAS number is used globally, it makes the trade of chemicals more convenient and avoids the confusion caused by the difference of chemical names.CAS number is also used in the research and development of chemical substances, which allows researchers to find the detailed information of the substance and related literature, thus improving the efficiency of the research.
4. Legal and safety aspects of CAS numbers
In addition to its wide range of applications, CAS number also plays an important role in legal and safety aspects. In chemical regulations, many countries and regions require producers and importers of chemicals to provide CAS numbers to ensure product compliance, and CAS numbers are also used in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals to provide critical safety information to workers and consumers.
5. Why CAS numbers are critical to chemical substance management
The management of chemical substances has become increasingly complex in modern chemical production. As globalisation accelerates and standards for chemical substance management vary from country to country and region to region, the CAS number serves as a uniform identifier to help chemical companies operate smoothly in different legal and regulatory environments, and it facilitates the tracking and management of chemical substance inventories and usage, reducing potential environmental and safety risks.
6. How to obtain and use CAS numbers
CAS numbers are usually obtained by searching the relevant Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) database. It is important for professionals to know how to use these resources effectively. In practice, chemical companies often subscribe to CAS databases in order to obtain up-to-date information on chemical substances in real time. Many research organisations and universities also use CAS numbers to conduct research and ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Conclusion
The CAS number is of irreplaceable importance in the chemical industry. Not only does it provide a globally accepted ID for a chemical substance, but it also plays a key role in chemical management, legal compliance, and safe production. Therefore, whether you are an industry veteran or a novice, an in-depth understanding of the CAS number and its applications will have a profound impact on your work.