Did you know that each chemical substance has a unique identifier known as a CAS registration number? It’s a bit like a license plate. This number is crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and consistency in the chemical industry. In this blog, we'll explore what a CAS registration number is, its significance, and how it's used across various sectors. Keep reading to get a full understanding of this essential tool.
A CAS registration number, often abbreviated as CASRN or CAS Number, is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical substance described in the scientific literature. CAS stands for Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society, which is responsible for assigning these numbers to provide a consistent way to identify chemicals and their associated data.
A CAS number is generally formatted as a series of up to 10 digits divided into three parts by hyphens, like this: XXXXXX-XX-X. The rightmost digit is a check digit used to verify the validity of the number; the middle part can have two or more digits, and the leftmost part (which can be the longest) increases as new substances are registered.
Researchers use CAS numbers to quickly find specific chemical information, making it easier to retrieve data from scientific literature and databases. In industries like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, CAS numbers help order, label, and manage chemicals, ensuring the right substances are used and tracked properly.
Plus, CAS numbers simplify the global trade of chemicals by providing a common language everyone can understand, which reduces errors and improves safety and compliance.
CAS registration numbers are a fundamental tool in the chemical industry, providing a standardised, globally recognised system for identifying substances. These numbers are used worldwide by researchers, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies to unambiguously identify substances without the confusion of multiple names and synonyms.
They enhance safety, quality control, and efficiency in various applications, from research to industry.