What is a CAS Number?
A CAS Number, or Chemical Abstracts Service number, is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature. It is used globally to provide a unique, unmistakable identifier for chemical substances. The CAS Number is essential for scientists, researchers, and industry professionals to accurately identify and reference a particular substance, especially in the context of
catalysis.
Why is the CAS Number Important in Catalysis?
In the field of catalysis, the CAS Number is crucial because it ensures precise identification of
catalysts, intermediates, and reactants. Given the vast number of chemical compounds involved in catalytic processes, the CAS Number provides a standardized way to refer to specific substances, avoiding confusion and errors in experimental data, publications, and patent filings.
Examples of CAS Numbers in Catalysis
Here are some examples of commonly used substances in catalysis and their CAS Numbers: Palladium on carbon (Pd/C) - CAS Number: 7440-05-3
Zinc oxide (ZnO) - CAS Number: 1314-13-2
Platinum (Pt) - CAS Number: 7440-06-4
Ammonium molybdate - CAS Number: 12054-85-2
These CAS Numbers help researchers and industry professionals to ensure they are working with the correct materials for their catalytic processes.
Applications of CAS Numbers in Catalysis Research
In
catalysis research, CAS Numbers play a vital role in several areas:
Reproducibility: For experimental reproducibility, it is imperative to use the exact same chemicals. CAS Numbers ensure that different laboratories use identical materials.
Patents: In patent applications for new catalytic processes or materials, CAS Numbers clearly define the substances involved, avoiding legal ambiguities.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): CAS Numbers are used in SDS to provide detailed safety and handling information for chemical substances in catalytic processes.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their widespread use, CAS Numbers have certain limitations. They do not provide information about the chemical structure or properties of a substance, so additional resources are often needed. Furthermore, new substances are constantly being synthesized, and their CAS Numbers need to be registered, which can be a time-consuming process.Conclusion
In conclusion, the CAS Number is an indispensable tool in the field of catalysis. It provides a unique and reliable identifier for chemical substances, ensuring clarity and consistency across research, industry, and regulatory domains. By leveraging CAS Numbers, professionals in catalysis can enhance the accuracy, reproducibility, and safety of their work.
