Tetrahydrofuran Description:

Tetrahydrofuran is a heterocyclic organic compound with the molecular formula C4H8O. THF belongs to the group of ethers and is a fully hydrogenated product of furan, a colorless, water miscible organic liquid with a low viscosity at room temperature and pressure. The chemical formula of this cyclic ether can be written as (CH2)4O. due to its long liquid range, THF is a commonly used medium-polar nonprotonic solvent. Its main use is as a precursor for polymers. Although the odor and chemical properties of THF are very similar to those of ether, its anesthetic effect is very poor.

Tetrahydrofuran Health Hazards:

The THF has stimulating and narcotic effects. Inhalation causes upper respiratory tract irritation, nausea, dizziness, headache and central nervous system depression. May cause liver and kidney damage. The liquid or highly concentrated vapor is irritating to the eyes. Long-term repeated skin contact can lead to dermatitis due to decontamination. Human exposure experiments found that after a 24-hour semi-containment test with a 20% aqueous solution of tetrahydrofuran, one out of six people showed slight redness and irritation after 3 days. Animal experiments found that guinea pigs exposed to 100% THF produced mild to moderate irritation, and at 50% concentration, strong irritation of broken skin.

Tetrahydrofuran Storage Precautions:

Normally, polymerization inhibitors are added to the commodity. Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from sources of fire and heat. Storage temperature should not exceed 30°C. Packaging requirements are sealed and should not be in contact with air. Should be stored separately from oxidizing agents, acids and bases. Do not mix and store. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Prohibit the use of spark-prone machinery and tools. Storage area should be equipped with spill emergency handling equipment and suitable protective materials.

THF Production Method:

The earliest industrial production was based on sugar aldehyde as raw material, and the mixture of sugar aldehyde and steam was passed into a reactor filled with zinc-chromium-manganese metal oxide (or palladium) catalyst to remove the carbonyl group at 400-420°C to make furan; then the furan was hydrogenated at 80-120°C using skeletal nickel as catalyst to produce tetrahydrofuran. This method consumes about 3 tons of polysaccharide aldehyde to produce 1 ton of tetrahydrofuran. A variety of production methods were developed later, and the industrial method includes the 1,4-butanediol catalytic dehydration cycle, which is known as the Rayu method (Reppe method) because 1,4-butanediol is made from acetylene and formaldehyde. The production of tetrahydrofuran from 1,4-dichlorobutene, a by-product of chlorobutadiene (the monomer of chloroprene rubber), is called the dichlorobutene method; a catalytic hydrogenation method using maleic anhydride as a feedstock was developed.