In the intricate world of chemical procurement, precision and clarity are paramount. Whether you are a procurement manager, a research scientist, or a formulation chemist, understanding the specifications of the chemicals you intend to buy is fundamental to ensuring successful outcomes. This guide highlights the critical importance of Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers and purity specifications, using 5-Bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine (CAS: 380380-64-3) as an example.

The Unifying Power of CAS Numbers
The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) assigns a unique numerical identifier to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature. A CAS number, such as 380380-64-3 for 5-Bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine, eliminates ambiguity. It acts as a universal language, ensuring that all parties involved in the supply chain – from manufacturer to end-user – are referring to the exact same chemical entity. This is especially vital when dealing with structurally similar compounds or chemicals with multiple common names. When you search for a product, always verify the CAS number to ensure you are acquiring the correct material.

The Criticality of Purity Specifications
For pharmaceutical intermediates and fine chemicals, purity is not just a quality metric; it is a determinant of performance and safety. For 5-Bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine, a typical specification might be 98%min purity. This means that at least 98% of the material is the desired compound, with the remaining percentage consisting of impurities. Why is this so important?

  • Reaction Efficiency: Higher purity intermediates lead to cleaner reactions, predictable outcomes, and often higher yields.
  • Product Integrity: In pharmaceutical applications, impurities can be toxic or affect the stability and efficacy of the final Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Regulatory bodies impose strict limits on impurity levels.
  • Reproducibility: Consistent purity ensures that your experiments or production runs are reproducible, reducing batch-to-batch variability.

What to Expect from Your Supplier
When you buy chemicals, particularly from manufacturers in China or other global regions, always expect a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that details the purity and relevant analytical data (e.g., NMR, HPLC, GC-MS). For 5-Bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine, the CoA should confirm its identity and purity level. Don't hesitate to request a sample to perform your own quality checks before committing to a large purchase. A reputable manufacturer will be transparent about their specifications and analytical methods.

Conclusion
Mastering chemical specifications, especially CAS numbers and purity levels, is a fundamental skill for anyone involved in chemical procurement or research. They are your primary tools for ensuring you buy the right chemical, with the expected quality, for your specific application. Always prioritize clarity and verification when sourcing materials like 5-Bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine to guarantee the success of your projects.