Understanding CAS:41263-94-9: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction to CAS Registry Numbers

In the vast and intricate world of chemistry, precise identification is paramount. Among the most critical tools for achieving this precision is the CAS Registry Number, a unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature. Managed by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society, this system has cataloged over 200 million organic and inorganic substances and more than 70 million protein and nucleic acid sequences. A CAS Number, typically formatted as up to ten digits separated by hyphens into three parts, serves as an unambiguous, international "social security number" for a chemical. For instance, the compound Ectoin is universally recognized by its identifier, Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3, ensuring that researchers, regulators, and industry professionals worldwide are referring to the exact same molecule, regardless of language or naming conventions.

The importance of CAS Numbers extends far beyond mere cataloging. They are indispensable in chemical inventory management, regulatory compliance (such as REACH in the EU or TSCA in the US), patent applications, and literature searches. In global trade, especially in hubs like Hong Kong, which handles a significant volume of chemical and pharmaceutical intermediates, accurate CAS Numbers on shipping documents and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are non-negotiable for customs clearance and safety. They prevent costly and dangerous mix-ups. For example, a shipment labeled with CAS:23089-26-1 (Dibutyltin dilaurate, an organotin compound) must be clearly distinguished from a cosmetic ingredient due to its different toxicological profile. This brings us to the focal point of this guide: CAS:41263-94-9. While the identifiers for Ectoin and Dibutyltin dilaurate point to well-characterized compounds, CAS:41263-94-9 presents a more intriguing case, often found in specialized databases and supplier lists, warranting a detailed exploration to understand its nature and context.

II. Identifying the Chemical Compound Associated with CAS:41263-94-9

Identifying the exact chemical entity behind CAS:41263-94-9 requires consulting authoritative chemical databases. Based on available commercial and regulatory sources, this CAS Number is most commonly associated with a specific organosilicon compound. Its primary chemical name is Methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane. Alternative names and trade names include Silane, methyltris(methylethylketoximo)-, and it may be listed under various commercial formulations used in sealants and adhesives.

The molecular formula for this compound is C13H27N3O3Si. This formula reveals its composition: 13 carbon atoms, 27 hydrogen atoms, 3 nitrogen atoms, 3 oxygen atoms, and 1 silicon atom. The presence of silicon (Si) categorizes it as an organosilane, a class of compounds where organic groups are attached to a silicon atom. The structural formula is central to understanding its reactivity. The silicon atom is bonded to one methyl group (CH3-) and three methylethylketoxime groups. The ketoxime groups (with the generic structure R2C=N-O-) are the key functional components. These oximino groups are responsible for the compound's primary chemical behavior: it acts as a crosslinking agent or a curing agent, particularly in silicone polymers.

• IUPAC Name: Methyltris[2-(butan-2-ylidene)aminooxy]silane
• Common Synonym: Methyltri(methylethylketoxime)silane
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 301.46 g/mol

This structural configuration, featuring three reactive oximino sites, allows it to form stable bonds with other silicone chains, facilitating room-temperature vulcanization (RTV). This is a distinct mechanism compared to the biological stress protection offered by Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3 or the catalytic action of tin-based compounds like CAS:23089-26-1.

III. Properties and Characteristics of the Compound

The compound identified by CAS:41263-94-9 possesses a set of defined physical and chemical properties that dictate its handling and applications. Typically, it is supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor.

Physical Properties

While exact values can vary slightly between manufacturers and grades, the following table summarizes the key physical properties:

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

Chemically, Methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane is a crosslinking agent. Its core reactivity involves the oximino (N-O) groups. In the presence of moisture (atmospheric humidity) and often with the aid of a catalyst (like a tin carboxylate, e.g., a compound related to CAS:23089-26-1), it undergoes hydrolysis. The silane reacts with water, releasing the corresponding ketone (methylethylketone) and forming reactive silanol (Si-OH) intermediates. These silanols then condense with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers or with each other, forming siloxane (Si-O-Si) bonds. This process leads to the curing or vulcanization of silicone rubber at room temperature, forming an elastomeric network. It is generally stable under anhydrous conditions but reacts exothermically upon exposure to moisture.

Safety Information

Handling this chemical requires caution. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) classify it as an irritant. Key hazards include:

• Eye and Skin Irritation: Can cause serious eye irritation and may cause skin irritation.
• Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of vapors or mists may cause respiratory tract irritation.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure): May cause drowsiness or dizziness if inhaled.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Upon curing or combustion, it can release nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and silicon dioxide fumes.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, gloves, and adequate ventilation is essential. Its safety profile is fundamentally different from benign moisturizing agents like Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3 or the more toxic organotin catalysts.

IV. Applications and Uses of the Compound

The primary utility of CAS:41263-94-9 stems from its role as a crosslinker in silicone technology. Its applications are predominantly industrial, with significant relevance in manufacturing and construction.

Industrial Applications

The most prominent use is in the formulation of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicone sealants and adhesives, particularly the one-component (1K) type. These products are ubiquitous in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. In Hong Kong's dense urban landscape and extensive infrastructure, such sealants are critical for waterproofing joints in skyscrapers, sealing expansion joints on bridges like the Tsing Ma Bridge, and installing glass curtain walls. The compound crosslinks the silicone polymer upon exposure to air moisture, forming a flexible, durable, and weather-resistant rubber. It is often used in conjunction with catalysts; for example, dibutyltin dilaurate (CAS:23089-26-1) can accelerate the curing process, though modern formulations may use alternative catalysts due to environmental regulations on organotins.

Research and Development Uses

In R&D, this silane is investigated for modifying surface properties and creating hybrid organic-inorganic materials. Researchers utilize it to introduce reactive sites onto silicon-based substrates or nanoparticles, enabling further chemical grafting. It serves as a model compound for studying the kinetics and mechanisms of oxime-based silane crosslinking, helping to develop faster-curing, lower-odor, or more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Potential Applications in Other Fields

While its core use is in elastomers, there is exploratory work in niche areas. It could be used in the synthesis of specialized silicone resins for coatings or as a coupling agent in composite materials. However, its application spectrum is not as diverse as that of some multifunctional compounds. For instance, while CAS:41263-94-9 is crucial for material integrity, Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3 finds broad potential in biotechnology, cosmetics, and medicine due to its cell-protective properties, representing a different axis of utility—biological versus structural.

V. Where to Find More Information on CAS:41263-94-9

For professionals requiring in-depth, authoritative information on CAS:41263-94-9, several key resources are available, many of which adhere to the E-E-A-T principle by demonstrating expertise and authority.

Chemical Databases and Resources

• CAS SciFindern / STN: The definitive, fee-based platform from CAS itself offers the most comprehensive data, including synthetic pathways, properties, and commercial source information.
• PubChem: The free NIH database provides basic chemical and physical property data, bioactivity information (if any), and links to literature.
• ChemSpider (Royal Society of Chemistry): A free resource aggregating data from many sources, offering structural information and links to suppliers.
• ECHA REACH Registration Dossier: If the substance is registered under the EU's REACH regulation, its dossier contains extensive data on hazards, safe use, and testing.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The most practical source for handling and hazard information is the Safety Data Sheet from a reputable manufacturer or supplier. An SDS for a product containing this crosslinker will detail composition, first-aid measures, fire-fighting advice, and disposal considerations. In Hong Kong, suppliers are required to provide SDS for hazardous chemicals, aligning with global GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards.

Scientific Literature

Patents and academic journals are rich sources. Searching for "Methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane" or its CAS number in platforms like Google Scholar, Scopus, or Web of Science will yield patents on silicone sealant formulations and research articles on silane chemistry. This contrasts with the literature search for a compound like Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3, which would predominantly return results in microbiology, dermatology, and biochemistry journals.

VI. Recap and Final Thoughts

In summary, CAS:41263-94-9 is the unique identifier for Methyltris(methylethylketoxime)silane, a vital organosilicon crosslinking agent. Its molecular architecture, centered around a silicon atom with three reactive oximino groups, enables it to drive the room-temperature curing of silicone polymers. This functionality makes it a workhorse in the production of high-performance sealants and adhesives essential for modern construction and manufacturing, with tangible importance in commercial centers like Hong Kong. Its properties necessitate careful handling due to its irritant nature, and its information is best sourced from authoritative chemical databases, SDS, and the scientific literature.

This exploration underscores the critical importance of CAS Registry Numbers as the universal language of chemical identification. They are the linchpin that connects disparate information sources—from a supplier's catalog in Asia referencing CAS:23089-26-1, to a research paper in Europe on Ectoin CAS NO.96702-03-3, to a safety regulation in North America. Understanding these identifiers is not merely an academic exercise but a fundamental requirement for safe, efficient, and innovative work across the chemical sciences and industries that depend on them. Whether one is formulating the next generation of building materials or developing advanced skincare products, precise identification via CAS Numbers remains the indispensable first step.