Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a saturated cyclic ether mainly used as an organic solvent. On long term storage it forms organic peroxides. This process can be suppressed by adding butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a stabilizer. BHT removes the free radicals required for the peroxide formation. THF constitutes the key fragment of various natural products (polyether antibiotics). THF can form a double hydrate with hydrogen sulfide. Crystal structure of this double hydrate has been investigated by three-dimensional single-crystal studies. Butane-1,4-diol is formed as an intermediate during the synthesis of THF. Hot THF is useful for the dissolution of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDV).

Synonyms: THF; Butylene oxide; Oxolane; Tetramethylene oxide

Molecular Formula: C4H8O

Molecular Weight: 72.11

Linear Structural Formula: C4H8O

MDL Number: MFCD00005356

Purity: >=99.0%

Melting Point:108 C (lit.)

Density: 0.889 g/mL at 25 C (lit.)

Refractive Index: n20/D 1.407 (lit.)

Application: Tetrahydrofuran may be used for the dissolution of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and 1,3-diaminopentane, during the preparation of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)-hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds and acrylate-terminated poly(5-amino-1-pentanol-co-1,4-butanediol diacrylate) (C32)- 1,3-diaminopentane (117) polymer, respectively.

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Other Notes: For information on tetrahydrofuran miscibility, please visit the following link:Tetrahydrofuran Miscibility/Immiscibility Table Greener alternatives are available for many THF applications, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (155810) and Cyclopentyl methyl ether (675989)Read more about THF alternatives: 2-Methyltetrahydroun (2-MeTHF): A biomass-Derived solvent with Broad Applications in Organic ChemistryThe toxicological assessment of cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) as a green solvent