July 12, 2025

What is a CAS Number?

Identifying specific chemicals can be a complex task, especially when considering the vast number of names and variations that exist for a single compound. To address this challenge, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) has assigned unique CAS Registry Numbers to over 163 million organic and inorganic compounds. These numbers follow a format like "xxxx-yy-z" and serve as a universal identifier—much like a social security number for a chemical. No matter what name a compound is known by, it will always have only one CAS number. This system has significantly simplified scientific communication, eliminating confusion caused by multiple names or complicated nomenclature.

For example, methanol is known by numerous synonyms such as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, carbinol, and even MeOH. These are just a few of the English names, and there are countless more in other languages. By using its CAS number, 67-56-1, scientists can avoid any ambiguity. Additionally, CAS numbers are assigned to specific forms of a compound. For instance, while both 1317-38-0 and 1317-39-1 refer to Cupric Oxide, the former is a wire form, and the latter is a black powder. This distinction ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings in research, industry, and education.

CAS numbers are widely used in laboratories, chemical businesses, and academic settings. They are free and easily accessible through search engines like Google. The CAS system was originally established in 1907 as part of the American Chemical Society to help scientists access literature more efficiently. In the 1960s, the registry introduced the CAS number system to make chemical identification more straightforward. By 1980, the CAS online database was launched, becoming an essential tool for chemical research and information sharing.

Today, government agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union’s REACH program rely on CAS numbers for accurate chemical identification. These numbers are now a standard in the chemical community, making them easy to use and access. While there are many ways to find a CAS number, two of the most reliable sources are ChemIDplus from the National Library of Medicine and the NIST Chemistry Webbook from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

To demonstrate how to find a CAS number, let's take a look at ChemIDplus. Start by searching “ChemIDplus” on Google and click the first result. You'll land on the “ChemIDplus Advanced” page. Enter the compound name under “Substance Identification.” Let's use ibuprofen as an example. If you search “Advil,” you may need to check the “Names and Synonyms” section to confirm it refers to ibuprofen. Once you’ve found the correct substance, the CAS number will appear directly below the name, often marked with “RN” for Registry Number. Keep in mind that different websites might display CAS numbers differently, but each compound—and each form of that compound—has its own unique number. Always double-check to ensure accuracy, as a wrong number can lead to serious consequences in chemical use or application.

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