What is Tetrahydrofuran (THF)?
Tetrahydrofuran, THF, is a heterocyclic compound with oxygen. The molecular formula for THF is (CH2)4O. It is a colorless liquid.
Heterocyclic compounds are cyclic hydrocarbons that contain an atom in the ring of a cyclic other than a carbon atom, hence the prefix "hetero". — These atoms could be sulphur, nitrogen, or oxygen.
THF is a moderate polar aprotic solvent based on its cyclic structure that locks in its polarity. The oxygen atom in THF is available to accept hydrogen bonding making it high soluble on water.
THF can dissolve a wide variety of organic compounds. For that reason, it is a popular solvent choice for small-scale laboratory experiments. Its low boiling point also makes it easy to remove from chemical reactions by evaporation.
Whether you need tetrahydrofuran in HPLC , ACS, anhydrous tetrahydrofuran or one of the other grades available, we offer the right product for your application.
Tetrahydrofuran Identification
Chart listing the various names, identifiers and synonyms of tetrahydrofuran.
| ID Type |
Identification |
|---|
| Synonym |
THF, Tetrahydrofuranne, Tetraidrofurano, Tetrahydrofuraan, Oxolane |
| Molecular Formula |
C4H8O |
| CAS Number |
109-99-9 |
Beilstein Registry
|
102391 |
| EG/EC Number |
2037268 |
| MDL Number |
MFCD00005356 |
| RIDADR |
UN 2056 3/PG 2 |
Tetrahydrofuran Physical and Chemical Properties
Chart including the physical and chemical properties of tetrahydrofuran.
| Property |
Value |
|---|
| Molecular Weight |
72.11 |
| Density |
0. 889 g/mL at 25 ºC |
| Boiling Point |
65-67 ºC |
| Melting Point |
-108 ºC |
| Flash Point |
-17.2 ºC |
Viscosity (cP)
|
0.456 at 25 ºC |
| Dielectric Constant |
7.52 at 22 ºC |
| Dipole Moment |
1.750 |
| UV cutoff |
220 nm |
| Refractive Index |
1.407 at 20 ºC |
| Vapor Pressure |
143 mm Hg (20 °C) |
| Vapor Density |
2.5 (vs. air) |
| Water Solubility |
Greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68° F (NTP, 1992) |
| Heat of Combustion |
-14,990 BTU/lb = -8330 cal/g = -348.8X10+5 J/kg |
| Heat of Vaporization |
180 BTU/lb= 98.1 cal/g= 4.1X10+5 J/kg |
| Surface Tension |
26.4 dyn/cm at 25 °C |
Tetrahydrofuran Miscibility and Immiscibility
| Property |
Chemical
|
|---|
| Miscible |
Acetic Acid, Acetone, Acetonitrile, Benzene, Butanol, Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), Butyl Acetate (n-), methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloroform, Cyclohexane, Dichloroethane (1, 2), Dichloromethane, Diethyl ether, Diisopropyl ether, Dimethylformamide, Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), Dioxane, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Heptane, Hexane, Methanol, Pentane, 1-Propanol, Isopropanol, Tetrahydrofuran (THF), Toluene, Trichloroethylene, Isooctane, Water, Xylene |
| Immiscible |
--
|
| Miscibility Information and Solvent Miscibility Table |
Tetrahydrofuran Hazard Statements
GHS Information
| GHS Pictogram |
Statement |
 |
Flammable gases, category 1
Flammable aerosols, categories 1,2
Flammable liquids, categories 1,2,3
Flammable solids, categories 1,2
Self-reactive substances and mixtures, Types B,C,D,E,F
Pyrophoric liquids, category 1
Pyrophoric solids, category 1
Self-heating substances and mixtures, categories 1,2
Substances and mixtures, which in contact with water,
emit flammable gases, categories 1,2,3
Organic peroxides, Types B,C,D,E,F |
 |
Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), category 4
Skin irritation, category 2
Eye irritation, category 2
Skin sensitisation, category 1
Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single exposure, category 3 |
 |
Respiratory sensitization, category 1
Germ cell mutagenicity, categories 1A,1B,2
Carcinogenicity, categories 1A,1B,2
Reproductive toxicity, categories 1A,1B,2
Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single exposure, categories 1,2
Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated exposure, categories 1,2
Aspiration Hazard, category 1 |
Tetrahydrofuran SDS Information
An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is available for each tetrahydrofuran product. Start your search for an SDS.
Tetrahydrofuran Uses
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) has uses in several applications. As a chemical intermediate and industrial solvent. THF is a crucial material for the production of:
- Printing inks for plastics,
- PVC top coating,
- PVC reactor cleaning,
- PVC film casting,
- and Cellophane coating.
THF is the solvent of choice in making polyvinyl chloride (PVC.), which is the plastic material used in indoor plumbing and sprinkler system pipes.
THF exposed to a strong acid induces polymerization. A form of a repeating network of THF molecules into what's called PTMEG.
PTMEG is the polymer used for making Spandex!
Polymerization of THF
Polytetrahydrofuran (polyTHF), is an essential soft segment for the production of thermoplastic elastomers such as polyester and polyurethane.
THF reacts with cationic initiators to give polyTHF. Such reactions have been the subject of several papers.
Polymerization of THF proceeds via a cationic mechanism in which the nucleophilic THF monomer attacks an oxonium ion that is ring-opened.
The reaction can be catalyzed in systems by
- FSO3H,
- A mix of H2SO4 and SO3,
- A mix of HClO4 and acid anhydride,
- ClSO3H.
The following is the general reaction of this process:
