Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
ANHUI LIWEI CHEMICAL CO.,LIMITED
[Introduction]
Tetrahydrofuran or THF is an organic solvent that contains hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. It is composed of 4 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom, and is a heterocyclic ether. THF mixes well with other polar compounds such as ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and water. It’s less dense than water and its vapors are heavier than air. THF is an important compound to organic chemists. It serves as a versatile solvent and is used in polymer science.
INQUITRE NOWChemical Properties
| Chemical formula | C₄H₈O |
|---|---|
| Cas Number | 109-99-9 |
| Molar mass | 72.107 g·mol−1 |
| Density | 0.8876 g/cm3 at 20 °C, liquid |
| Melting point | −108.4 °C (−163.1 °F; 164.8 K) |
| Boiling point | 66 °C (151 °F; 339 K) |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Ether-like |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
What are the uses of tetrahydrofuran?
Industrial Uses
1. Tetrahydrofuran has many industrial uses as a solvent, including in the production of natural and synthetic resins, polymers, fatty oils, rubber, polymers and protective coatings, adhesives, inks, tetramethyl lead, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and adipic acid.
2. It is also primarily used as a reaction medium in the pharmaceutical industry, such as in Grignard synthesis or lithium aluminum hydride reduction reactions. Examples of Grignard synthesis include butyrolactone and succinic acid. It is also used as a Grignard reagent in the synthesis of fragrances, pharmaceuticals, automotive fuels, and pesticides.
3. Tetrahydrofuran is a valuable chemical intermediate because it is a precursor to polymers such as polytetramethylene ether glycol. The main use of this polymer is in the production of elastic polyurethane fibers such as spandex. It is also an intermediate in the natural gas industry, where it can be used as a natural gas odorizer.
4. Other industrial uses include as an intermediate, processing aid, and plasticizer.
Commercial Uses
Commercial uses of tetrahydrofuran include adhesives, paints and coatings, and solvents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tetrahydrofuran THF a Good Solvent?
A solvent is a substance that dissolves other compounds and molecules. THF dissolves a wide variety of organic compounds. Tetrahydrofuran is a good solvent because of its ability to form hydrogen bonds and because of its polarity. THF forms charge-based attractions due to its polarity with other ions and polar molecules. The ions and polar molecules interact with partially negative and partially positive ends of the THF leading to the formation of a 3-D sphere or hydration shell around the solute. This causes the solute to dissolve.
What is the Role of THF in the Mobile Phase?
THF is used often as a mobile phase solvent. The role of THF in the mobile phase is its eluting strength. Eluting strength is how strongly the solvent adsorbs onto the adsorbent. Adsorbents are very polar. Eluting strength becomes greater with solvent polarity.
Tetrahydrofuran Hazards
There are a few things to keep in mind when using tetrahydrofuran. THF is highly flammable in the vapor and liquid form. Vapors can be explosive when mixed with air. THF is also corrosive to coatings, rubber, and plastics. When using THF, be sure to wear face protection, eye protection, protective clothing, protective gloves since tetrahydrofuran can irritate the skin, eyes, respiratory system, and depress the central nervous system. Be sure to keep THF away from open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and heat.
