Tetrahydrofurane (THF)
THF, Tetramethylene oxide, Oxolane.
- CAS
- 109-99-9
- EC
- 203-726-8
- Sectors
- Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, Plastics & Polymers, Pharma & Healthcare
Tetrahydrofurane (THF) (CAS 109-99-9) is a cyclic ether solvent supplied as a liquid, known for dissolving both polar and non-polar substances; it serves as a reaction medium for Grignard reactions and pharmaceutical synthesis and as a solvent for PVC processing and PTMEG (polytetramethylene ether glycol) production. Offering 99.9% purity, it is a critical medium for Grignard reactions and various pharmaceutical syntheses.
This low-viscosity, flammable liquid is highly volatile and miscible with water. In the polymer industry, it is widely used as a precursor to high-performance elastomers and as a specialized solvent for PVC welding and pipe bonding.
THF's unique ability to dissolve high-molecular-weight polymers makes it indispensable for adhesive formulations and surface coatings. It is typically stabilized with BHT to prevent the formation of explosive peroxides during storage.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C4H8O |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | <10(APHA) |
| Odor | Ethereal, detectable at 2 to 50 ppm |
| Melting point | -108.3 °C |
| Boiling point | 65 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.8892 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Water solubility | miscible |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| pH | 7-8 (200g/l, H2O, 20°C) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Flammable, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard |
| HS code | 29321100 |
| Grades available | Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Tetrahydrofurane (THF)
Applications
- Polymer Processing: Used as a solvent for PVC and as a precursor to Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG).
- Pharma Synthesis: Essential reaction medium for organometallic compounds and pharmaceutical active ingredients.
- Laboratory Reagent: Widely utilized in mobile phases for HPLC and as a general-purpose laboratory solvent.
Safety & Risks
Classified as Flammable Liquid 2, Eye Irritant 2, and Carc 2. Highly flammable; handle in Explosion-Proof Areas with Fire-Resistant PPE.
Packaging
180 kg Steel Drums, 18 kg Pails, or specialized ISO Tanks.