What is CAS No.?

CAS No. is a unique identification number for chemicals given by the Chemicals Abstract Service (CAS) of the American Chemical Society. Each number assigned by the CAS is unique to one chemical substance. CAS No.’s can have up to 10 digits and are separated by 3 hiphens. The last digits are check numbers to confirm the uniqueness of the CAS number. Assignment of CAS numbers are done in sequential order as the number is entered into a database.
 
Significance of a CAS Number.

CAS numbers are used for easy identification of chemical compounds. CAS numbers have become a reliable standard throughout the world as it serves as a common link between various nomenclatures terms that define various chemicals. A chemical compound can quickly and easily be validated with the help of CAS number. For example, Di Ammonium Phosphate has various other names such as Di Ammonium Hydrogen Phosphate or Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic, this can lead to confusion in identifying the chemical compound. However, if CAS number of Di Ammonium Phosphate is used which is 7783-28-0 there will be no scope of confusion and it will also provide uniformity across the globe.
 
How can you check the CAS number of your product?

You can find the CAS number of your chemical through various sources such as :
 

1. CAS SciFinder
2. CAS Common Chemistry
3. Research Guides
4. Chemical catalogues

 
CONCLUSION

The CAS registry covers almost 182 million unique organic and inorganic substances. CAS registry also provides additional information about each product.  Thus, using CAS numbers is a simple, quick and reliable way of identifying Chemical compounds.