What is a Chemical Abstract Service Number? (US)

The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society, assigns unique numerical identifiers to every chemical substance, polymer, biological sequence, mixture, and alloy documented in scientific literature; these identifiers are known as Chemical Abstract Service Registry Numbers, or CAS RNs. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) frequently relies on CAS numbers to track chemicals in commerce and to regulate their use under laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). A comprehensive understanding of chemical substances necessitates knowing what is a Chemical Abstract Service number and recognizing its importance in databases such as PubChem, which uses these identifiers to catalog millions of compounds and their properties. Therefore, knowing what is a Chemical Abstract Service number is essential for researchers, regulators, and anyone working with chemical information.

Unlocking Chemical Identities with CAS Registry Numbers

The world of chemistry, while governed by precise laws and interactions, faces a surprisingly imprecise challenge: accurately identifying chemical substances.

Inconsistent naming conventions and the evolution of chemical nomenclature over time can lead to significant ambiguities, hindering communication, research, and even safety protocols. This is where CAS Registry Numbers step in as the universal key.

They offer a standardized, unambiguous identifier for each unique chemical substance, regardless of its various names or structural representations.

The Problem of Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature, the system of naming chemical compounds, is a complex and often convoluted landscape.

Common names, trade names, and even systematic names can vary across regions, languages, and even individual laboratories.

For instance, a simple compound might have several common names, none of which clearly define its precise chemical structure. This lack of standardization creates a breeding ground for confusion and potential errors.

Furthermore, even seemingly precise systematic names can be misinterpreted or inconsistently applied, especially when dealing with complex molecules or mixtures.

This ambiguity poses a significant challenge to researchers attempting to replicate experiments, regulatory agencies trying to enforce chemical regulations, and emergency responders needing to quickly identify hazardous materials.

Defining CAS Registry Numbers

CAS Registry Numbers, assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), are unique numerical identifiers for chemical substances.

Each number refers to a specific, unambiguous chemical entity, regardless of its various synonyms, trade names, or structural representations.

These numbers are structured as a series of three number sets separated by hyphens, following a specific format that includes a check digit to ensure accuracy.

The beauty of CAS Registry Numbers lies in their simplicity and universality. They provide a common language that transcends geographical boundaries, linguistic barriers, and the inherent complexities of chemical nomenclature.

Whether you are dealing with a simple organic molecule or a complex biopolymer, the CAS Registry Number provides a reliable and consistent way to pinpoint its identity.

The Importance of a Standardized System

The need for a standardized system like CAS Registry Numbers extends far beyond academic curiosity.

It is paramount for research integrity, regulatory compliance, and public safety.

In scientific research, the ability to accurately identify and track chemical substances is critical for replicating experiments, comparing results, and building upon existing knowledge.

In the regulatory arena, CAS Registry Numbers are used to identify chemicals subject to specific regulations, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Moreover, in emergency situations, the rapid and accurate identification of hazardous chemicals is essential for protecting first responders and the public.

CAS Registry Numbers provide a critical link between chemical identity and hazard information, enabling informed decision-making in critical situations. Therefore, the CAS Registry Number serves as the keystone for seamless chemical communication.

The CAS Ecosystem: A Deep Dive into the Chemical Abstracts Service

Unlocking chemical identities through CAS Registry Numbers requires an understanding of the intricate ecosystem that governs their creation and maintenance. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) sits at the heart of this system, acting as the authoritative body responsible for assigning and curating these unique identifiers. Delving deeper into this ecosystem reveals a network of organizations, tools, and dedicated professionals all contributing to the integrity and accessibility of chemical information.

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS): The Authority and Steward

CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, holds the unique position of being the sole entity responsible for assigning CAS Registry Numbers. This responsibility is not taken lightly.

CAS meticulously reviews and analyzes scientific literature to identify new chemical substances, ensuring that each one receives a distinct and unambiguous identifier. This process involves examining a wide range of sources, including journal articles, patents, and other scientific publications.

CAS doesn't just assign numbers; it also maintains the CAS Registry, a comprehensive database of chemical substances and their associated information. This database is constantly updated to reflect the latest scientific findings, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, regulators, and industry professionals alike.

American Chemical Society (ACS): Supporting the Mission

The American Chemical Society (ACS), a leading scientific society, plays a vital role in supporting CAS and its mission. While CAS operates as a distinct division, it benefits from the ACS's vast resources and expertise.

The ACS provides CAS with a platform for disseminating its knowledge and promoting the use of CAS Registry Numbers within the scientific community. This support helps to ensure that CAS remains at the forefront of chemical information management.

The CAS Registry: A Central Repository

At the core of the CAS ecosystem lies the CAS Registry, a comprehensive database containing information on over 240 million organic and inorganic substances and over 68 million sequences. This vast collection represents a wealth of chemical knowledge, meticulously curated and organized.

Each entry in the CAS Registry includes the CAS Registry Number, the chemical structure, the chemical name, and other relevant properties. This detailed information enables users to quickly and accurately identify chemical substances, regardless of the naming conventions used in different publications or databases.

The CAS Registry is not just a static database; it is constantly evolving as new chemical substances are discovered and characterized. This dynamic nature ensures that the CAS Registry remains a reliable and up-to-date resource for the scientific community.

SciFinder: Accessing Chemical Information

SciFinder, developed by CAS, is a powerful research tool that provides access to a wealth of chemical information, including the CAS Registry. SciFinder allows users to search for chemical substances by name, structure, CAS Registry Number, or other properties.

The power of SciFinder lies in its ability to link information from multiple sources, providing researchers with a comprehensive overview of a particular chemical substance. This integration of data streamlines the research process and helps to accelerate scientific discovery.

SciFinder is widely used by researchers in academia, industry, and government, making it an indispensable tool for anyone working with chemical information.

Database Administrators: Guardians of Accuracy

The integrity of the CAS Registry depends on the dedicated work of database administrators. These professionals are responsible for maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the database.

They meticulously review new data, correct errors, and ensure that the CAS Registry remains a reliable source of chemical information. Their expertise and attention to detail are essential for preserving the value of the CAS Registry as a trusted resource for the scientific community.

Decoding Chemical Structures: How CAS Registry Numbers Provide Specificity

Unlocking chemical identities through CAS Registry Numbers requires an understanding of the intricate ecosystem that governs their creation and maintenance. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) sits at the heart of this system, acting as the authoritative body responsible for assigning these unique identifiers. However, the real power of CAS Registry Numbers lies in their direct relationship with the very architecture of chemical compounds. They provide a level of specificity that transcends simple names, delving into the core structure that defines a chemical substance.

The Unbreakable Bond: Chemical Structures and CAS RNs

Each CAS Registry Number is intrinsically linked to a specific chemical structure.

This isn't a mere label; it's a definitive identifier meticulously assigned based on the compound's atomic arrangement and bonding.

This ensures that every substance, no matter how complex, has a single, unambiguous digital fingerprint.

The CAS Registry Number acts as a bridge, connecting abstract representations like chemical names to the concrete reality of molecular structure.

This connection is critical for clear communication and data management in chemistry.

The Challenge of Isomers: Where Names Fall Short

The true strength of CAS Registry Numbers becomes apparent when dealing with isomers – molecules with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements.

Traditional chemical nomenclature often struggles to adequately distinguish between these compounds.

Different isomers can exhibit vastly different properties and behaviors.

A single chemical name might encompass multiple isomeric forms.

This ambiguity can lead to significant errors in research, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

CAS RNs: Distinguishing the Indistinguishable

This is where CAS Registry Numbers shine.

They provide a precise method for differentiating between even the most subtly different isomers, including stereoisomers.

Stereoisomers, molecules with the same connectivity but different spatial arrangements, are a particularly challenging case.

Enantiomers, for example, are mirror-image stereoisomers with often dramatically different biological activities.

CAS Registry Numbers meticulously distinguish between these forms.

Case Study: Differentiating Glucose Isomers

Consider the case of glucose. Glucose exists in several isomeric forms, including D-glucose and L-glucose.

While both have the same chemical formula (C6H12O6), their spatial arrangements are different.

D-glucose is the naturally occurring sugar our bodies use for energy, whereas L-glucose is not metabolized by our enzymes.

D-glucose has the CAS RN 50-99-7, and L-glucose has the CAS RN 921-60-8.

This precise distinction is vital in fields like biochemistry and pharmacology, where the specific isomer can determine a compound's effect.

CAS RNs in Chemical Databases: Eliminating Ambiguity

The value of CAS Registry Numbers extends beyond individual chemicals; they are fundamental to the organization and integrity of chemical databases.

These databases are the lifeblood of modern chemical research and development.

Without a reliable way to identify chemicals, databases would be plagued by errors, inconsistencies, and redundant entries.

By using CAS Registry Numbers as the primary key, databases can ensure that information is accurately linked to the correct chemical entity.

This standardization allows researchers to search, analyze, and compare data from different sources with confidence.

CAS numbers are the cornerstone of reliable data in chemical databases.

Ensuring Data Integrity

The impact of this precise identification extends to data integrity.

With the use of CAS Registry Numbers, database administrators can ensure consistency, eliminate redundancies, and cross-reference data effectively.

This translates into more reliable research outcomes, fewer errors in industrial applications, and greater confidence in regulatory compliance.

In essence, CAS Registry Numbers are essential for maintaining the accuracy and usability of chemical information in the digital age.

CAS Registry Numbers are not just arbitrary numbers.

They are the keystone of chemical specificity, bridging the gap between abstract names and the concrete reality of molecular structure.

By uniquely identifying each chemical substance, including isomers and stereoisomers, they provide the foundation for clear communication, reliable data management, and accurate scientific discovery.

Their widespread adoption in chemical databases, regulatory agencies, and research institutions underscores their indispensable role in the modern chemical landscape.

CAS Registry Numbers in Regulatory and Safety Compliance

Decoding Chemical Structures: How CAS Registry Numbers Provide Specificity Unlocking chemical identities through CAS Registry Numbers requires an understanding of the intricate ecosystem that governs their creation and maintenance. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) sits at the heart of this system, acting as the authoritative body responsible fo...

Beyond their fundamental role in chemical identification, CAS Registry Numbers are indispensable for ensuring regulatory and safety compliance across various industries and governmental bodies. Their unambiguous nature allows for precise tracking and management of chemicals, which is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. This section explores the multifaceted ways in which CAS Registry Numbers underpin chemical regulation, safety data sheets (SDS), and hazard communication, globally.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CAS Numbers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies heavily on CAS Registry Numbers for chemical regulation and reporting within the United States. The EPA utilizes these numbers to uniquely identify chemicals listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory.

This inventory serves as the cornerstone of chemical regulation in the U.S., ensuring that all chemicals manufactured, imported, processed, or distributed in commerce are properly identified and assessed for potential risks.

The EPA mandates the use of CAS Registry Numbers in various reporting requirements. This includes submissions related to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

By using CAS Registry Numbers, the EPA can accurately track the production, use, and release of specific chemicals. This supports informed decision-making regarding chemical safety and environmental protection.

CAS Numbers and the Broader Context of Chemical Regulation

The significance of CAS Registry Numbers extends far beyond the EPA and the U.S. Regulatory frameworks around the world, such as the European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, also depend on CAS Registry Numbers for unambiguous chemical identification.

REACH requires companies to register chemical substances manufactured or imported into the EU. Accurate identification using CAS Registry Numbers is essential for compliance. These numbers ensure that the correct chemical substance is registered and assessed.

Similarly, other global standards and regulations utilize CAS Registry Numbers to ensure consistency and accuracy in chemical management. The consistent application of CAS Registry Numbers across different regulatory frameworks facilitates international trade and cooperation. It helps in sharing information about chemical safety and potential hazards globally.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) and CAS Numbers

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), are critical documents for communicating information about hazardous chemicals. A key element of any SDS is the inclusion of the CAS Registry Number for each hazardous component.

The presence of the CAS Registry Number on an SDS helps to ensure that users can accurately identify the chemical in question, regardless of potential variations in naming conventions. This accurate identification is essential for understanding the hazards associated with the chemical.

It also ensures that users can follow recommended safety precautions. The CAS Registry Number links the chemical to a wealth of information, including its physical and chemical properties, potential health effects, and appropriate handling procedures.

Hazard Communication and the Role of CAS Numbers

Hazard communication relies on CAS numbers to effectively convey the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace and beyond. Globally Harmonized System (GHS) standards mandate the inclusion of CAS Registry Numbers on labels and SDSs.

This inclusion is crucial for ensuring consistent and understandable hazard communication. Workers and consumers can use the CAS Registry Number to quickly and accurately identify a chemical. They can then access relevant safety information.

By providing a standardized identifier, CAS Registry Numbers help to bridge language barriers and overcome inconsistencies in chemical nomenclature. This promotes a safer and more informed environment for all those who handle or are exposed to chemicals. They are essential for effective hazard communication programs, contributing significantly to workplace safety and public health.

Advancing Research: CAS Registry Numbers in Scientific Exploration

Unlocking chemical identities through CAS Registry Numbers requires an understanding of the intricate ecosystem that governs their creation and maintenance. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) sits at the heart of this system. However, the real-world impact of these unique identifiers truly shines when we examine how they propel scientific research forward, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in data aggregation and analysis.

The NIH and PubChem: A Symbiotic Relationship

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research, heavily relies on CAS Registry Numbers to maintain data integrity within its vast network of databases.

Of particular note is PubChem, an open chemistry database managed by the NIH's National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

PubChem leverages CAS Registry Numbers as the fundamental indexing key.

This key links together disparate pieces of information related to a specific chemical substance. These pieces include chemical structures, identifiers, chemical and physical properties, biological activities, patent information, health, safety, toxicity data, and more.

Without CAS Registry Numbers, the task of connecting these fragmented data points would be significantly more complex, prone to error, and ultimately, less reliable.

Streamlining Toxicology Research

The field of toxicology, which studies the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms, critically depends on the precise identification of compounds.

CAS Registry Numbers provide the necessary specificity to differentiate between structurally similar compounds that may exhibit vastly different toxicological profiles.

Toxicology databases meticulously catalog information about chemical substances. They track their effects on various biological systems and organisms. They also rely on CAS Registry Numbers.

This is to ensure that data is accurately associated with the correct substance. This is important for risk assessment and the development of safety guidelines.

The Chemist's Essential Tool

For chemists engaged in research and development, CAS Registry Numbers serve as an indispensable tool for ensuring that they are working with the correct compounds.

Whether synthesizing new molecules, analyzing reaction mechanisms, or investigating chemical properties, the CAS Registry Number acts as a definitive identifier, eliminating ambiguity and preventing costly errors.

Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Regulatory affairs professionals working within the chemical industry also heavily rely on CAS Registry Numbers. They ensure adherence to complex regulatory frameworks governing the manufacture, handling, and distribution of chemical substances.

CAS Registry Numbers enable regulatory professionals to accurately track chemicals subject to specific regulations, streamlining reporting processes and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.

In essence, CAS Registry Numbers provide a crucial foundation for advancing scientific knowledge and safeguarding public health. They facilitate efficient data management, promote accurate communication, and underpin regulatory compliance across diverse fields.

So, the next time you're wading through a chemical safety data sheet or trying to identify a specific compound, remember the trusty CAS number. What is a Chemical Abstract Service Number? It's essentially a chemical's unique fingerprint, helping you avoid confusion and ensuring you're working with precisely the substance you need. Hopefully, this has demystified the CAS number a little bit!