In the vast and intricate world of chemistry, accurate identification of chemical substances is fundamental for research, commerce, and regulation. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number, commonly known as a CAS number, serves as a unique numerical identifier for chemical substances. For procurement professionals, researchers, and anyone involved in chemical sourcing, understanding the significance and proper use of CAS numbers is crucial for ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

What is a CAS Number?

A CAS number is a unique string of digits, separated by hyphens into three parts: the first two or three digits, followed by a hyphen, then two or more digits, followed by another hyphen, and finally a single check digit. For example, the CAS number for water is 7732-18-5. These numbers are assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society, to virtually every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature, including organic and inorganic compounds, polymers, biomolecules, and mixtures.

Why are CAS Numbers Essential for Chemical Sourcing?

CAS numbers play a critical role in the chemical industry for several reasons:

  • Unambiguous Identification: Many chemical compounds can have multiple common names or synonyms, and some can even be known by the same name but have different structures or stereoisomers. A CAS number provides a single, unambiguous identifier that eliminates confusion. This is especially important when searching for specific compounds like 4-Fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, whose CAS number is 67515-59-7.
  • Facilitating Accurate Searches: When using online chemical databases, supplier catalogs, or scientific literature search engines, inputting the correct CAS number is often the most efficient way to find precise information about a substance. This ensures you are looking at the correct product specifications, pricing, and availability.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Government agencies worldwide, including those involved in environmental protection, occupational safety, and drug regulation, rely on CAS numbers for tracking, reporting, and managing chemical substances. For instance, knowing the CAS number is vital for import/export documentation and safety compliance.
  • Ensuring Product Quality: When ordering chemicals, referencing the CAS number on your purchase order and confirming it on the supplier's documentation (like the Certificate of Analysis) helps guarantee that you receive the exact substance you intended to buy, with the specified purity and properties.
  • Inventory Management: Internally, using CAS numbers for inventory management systems ensures accurate tracking of chemical stock, preventing errors and improving operational efficiency.

Best Practices for Using CAS Numbers in Procurement

When sourcing chemicals, always:

  • Verify the CAS Number: Double-check the CAS number against reliable sources or supplier specifications before placing an order.
  • Include CAS Numbers on Orders: Clearly state the CAS number on all purchase orders and inquiries.
  • Cross-Reference Information: Use CAS numbers to cross-reference product information across different databases and supplier catalogs to confirm identity and specifications.
  • Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS): SDS documents, which are keyed to CAS numbers, provide essential safety, handling, and disposal information.

In conclusion, CAS numbers are indispensable tools in the chemical industry. By diligently using and verifying these unique identifiers, procurement professionals and researchers can significantly enhance accuracy, efficiency, and safety in their chemical sourcing activities. When looking to buy compounds like 4-Fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, relying on its CAS number (67515-59-7) ensures you are precisely identifying the intermediate needed for your synthesis. Reputable suppliers, such as NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., consistently provide CAS numbers for their product listings, facilitating clear communication and accurate transactions.