TETRAHYDROFURAN

Tetrahydrofuran is formed as an intermediate during the synthesis of THF.
Tetrahydrofuran is useful for the dissolution of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDV).
Tetrahydrofuran is a stable compound with relatively low boiling point and excellent solvency. 

CAS Number: 109-99-9
Molecular Formula: C4H8O
Molecular Weight: 72.11
EINECS Number: 203-726-8

Synonyms:Tetrahydrofuran, 109-99-9, Oxolane, Furanidine, Furan, tetrahydro-, Hydrofuran, Tetramethylene oxide, Oxacyclopentane, 1,4-Epoxybutane, Diethylene oxide, Tetrahydrofuranne, Tetraidrofurano, Tetrahydrofuraan, Cyclotetramethylene oxide, Agrisynth THF, Butane, 1,4-epoxy-, RCRA waste number U213, Butane, alpha,delta-oxide, NCI-C60560, Butane alpha,delta-oxide, DTXSID1021328, 3N8FZZ6PY4, CHEBI:26911, NSC-57858, DTXCID501328, RefChem:932807, GlyTouCan:G50603ZK, G50603ZK, 203-726-8, Tetrahydrofurane, THF, tetrahydro-furan, Cyclotetramethylene, MFCD00005356, NSC 57858, Butane .alpha.,.delta.-oxide, 24979-97-3, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, tetrahydofurane, Tetrahydrofuraan [Dutch], Tetraidrofurano [Italian], Tetrahydrofuranne [French], Tetrahydrofuran, Spectrophotometric Grade, CCRIS 6276, HSDB 125, EINECS 203-726-8, UN2056, RCRA waste no. U213, Tetrahydrofuran(Stabilized), UNII-3N8FZZ6PY4, terahydrofuran, terahydrofurane, terahyrofuran, tetrahydofuran, tetrahydorfuran, tetrahyrdofuran, tetrahyrofuran, tetraliydrofuran, tetra hydrofuran, tetra-hydrofuran, tetrahy-drofuran, tetrahydro furan, tetrahydrof uran, tetrahydrofu ran, tetrahydrofura n, tetrahydrofuran-, AI3-07570, tet-rahydrofurane, tetra-hydrofurane, tetrahydro furane, tetrahydro-furane, tetrahydrofurane-, Tetrahydrofuran, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, ACS reagent, >=99.0%, tetra hydro-furan, tetra- hydrofuran, tetrahydro- furan, Butane a,d-oxide, Butane,4-epoxy-, Dynasolve 150, Tetrahydrofuran ACS, 1,4-epoxy-Butane, c0019, Tetrahydrofuran(THF), tetrahydrofuran solvent, THF (tetrahydrofuran), Tetrahydrofuran, 99%, Tetrahydrofuran, Biograde, SCHEMBL479, WLN: T5OTJ, EC 203-726-8, SCHEMBL1155, SCHEMBL9194, TETRAHYDROFURAN [MI], Tetrahydrofuran Ultra LC-MS, SCHEMBL23904, SCHEMBL65282, SCHEMBL75993, Tetrahydrofuran, ACS reagent, Tetrahydrofuran, >=99.5%, SCHEMBL104854, SCHEMBL286764, SCHEMBL960728, TETRAHYDROFURAN [HSDB], TETRAHYDROFURAN [IARC], Tetrahydrofuran, p.a., 99%, CHEMBL276521, SCHEMBL1676271, SCHEMBL5125765, SCHEMBL6056569, SCHEMBL6104219, SCHEMBL7001660, SCHEMBL8729911, SCHEMBL9630281, SCHEMBL10614458, SCHEMBL21805844, TETRAHYDROFURAN [USP-RS], Diethylene oxide 1,4-Epoxybutane, Tetrahydrofuran, UV, HPLC Grade, NSC57858, Tetrahydrofuran unstabilised 99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, analytical standard, Tox21_201026, MSK001504, STL264218, AKOS000119982, Tetrahydrofuran (stabilised with BHT), UN 2056, Tetrahydrofuran, for HPLC, >=99.9%, NCGC00090740-01, NCGC00090740-02, NCGC00258579-01, BP-30232, CAS-109-99-9, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, inhibitor free, Tetrahydrofuran, purum, >=99.0% (GC), DB-038044, NS00009145, T0104, T0856, T2394, EN300-21322, Tetrahydrofuran, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%, Tetrahydrofuran, Selectophore(TM), >=99.5%, Tetrahydrofuran [UN2056] [Flammable liquid], Tetrahydrofuran HPLC grade stabilized with BHT, Tetrahydrofuran, JIS special grade, >=99.5%, Tetrahydrofuran, HPLC grade stabilized with BHT, A802124, F035914, F600005, InChI=1/C4H8O/c1-2-4-5-3-1/h1-4H, Q278332, Tetrahydrofuran, for HPLC, contains No stabilizer, Tetrahydrofuran, inhibitor-free, purification grade, Tetrahydrofuran, puriss. p.a., >=99.9% (GC), Tetrahydrofuran, for luminescence, >=99.5% (GC), Tetrahydrofuran, inhibitor-free, for HPLC, =99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, >=99.9%, inhibitor-free, Tetrahydrofuran, for HPLC, >=99.9%, inhibitor-free, Tetrahydrofuran, inhibitor-free, for HPLC, >=99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous stabilized, Max. water 20ppm, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous stabilized, Max. water 25ppm, Tetrahydrofuran, HPLC grade, >=99.9%, inhibitor-free, Tetrahydrofuran, non-UV, HPLC grade stabilized with BHT, Tetrahydrofuran, for amino acid analysis, without stabilizer, Tetrahydrofuran, p.a., 99%, contains 200-300 ppm BHT, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous , stabilized with 250-300 ppm BHT, Tetrahydrofuran, HPLC, UV-IR, isocratic grade, unstabilized, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, inhibitor-free, ZerO2(TM), >=99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, AR, contains 250 ppm BHT as stabilizer, 99.5%, Tetrahydrofuran, LR, contains 250 ppm BHT as stabilizer, >=99%, Tetrahydrofuran, ACS reagent, >=99.0%, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, >=99.9%, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, >=99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, contains 250 ppm BHT as stabilizer, >=99.5%, Tetrahydrofuran, UV HPLC spectroscopic, 99.8%, contains 200-300 ppm BHT, Tetrahydrofuran (stabilized with BHT) [Solvent for Determination of Vinyl Chloride Monomer], Tetrahydrofuran, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, Tetrahydrofuran, ReagentPlus(R), >=99.0%, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, FU1, Tetrahydrofuran, absolute, over molecular sieve (H2O <=0.005%), contains ~0.025% 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol as stabilizer, >=99.5% (GC), Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous stabilized, Max. water 25ppm (packed in stainless steel cylinder with dip-tube), Tetrahydrofuran, contains 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, Reag. Ph. Eur., >=99.9%, Tetrahydrofuran, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, anhydrous, contains 100 ppm BHT as inhibitor, >=99.8%, TETRAMETHYLENE ETHER GLYCOL 2000 POLYMER;Tetrahydrofuran ,99.8% [Tetrahydrofuran,ACS/HPLC Certified];Tetrahydrofuran, 99.6%, stabilized with BHT, for analysis ACS;Tetrahydrofuran, 99+%, stabilized with BHT, extra pure;Tetrahydrofuran, anhydrous, stabilized, extra pure;Tetrahydrofuran, 99.5+%, for spectroscopy;Tetrahydrofuran, 99.8%, unstabilized, for HPLC;Tetrahydrofuran, 99.85%, water <50 ppm, stabilized, extra dry

Tetrahydrofuran is used in the manufacture of polymers as well as agricultural, pharmaceutical, and commodity chemicals. 
Manufacturing activities commonly occur in closed systems or under engineering controls that limit worker exposure and release to the environment. 
Tetrahydrofuran is also used as a solvent (e.g., pipe fitting) that may result in more significant exposures when used in confined spaces without sufficient ventilation. 

Tetrahydrofuran is widely-used for dissolution and reaction of various substances. 
Also it is used as a starting material for the synthesis of poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), etc. 
Tetrahydrofuran is an industrial solvent widely recognized for its unique combination of useful properties. 

Tetrahydrofuran is better than 99.9% pure with a small (0.025-0.040 wt % ) amount of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 4-methyl-2,6-di-tertbutyl phenol) added as an antioxidant. 
Tetrahydrofuran removes the free radicals required for the peroxide formation. 
Tetrahydrofuran constitutes the key fragment of various natural products (polyether antibiotics).

Tetrahydrofuran forms double hydrate with hydrogen sulfide, crystal structure of this double hydrate has been investigated by three-dimensional single-crystal studies.
Tetrahydrofuran is a cycloaliphatic ether and is not "photochemically reactive" as defined in Section k of Los Angeles County's Rule 66 (equivalent to Rule 442 of the Southern California Air Pollution Control District). 
Tetrahydrofuran has an ethereal odor. 

The Odor Threshold is listed @ 3.8 (3M), 20-50ppm, and 31ppm. 
Tetrahydrofuran is also a common laboratory reagent and an intermediate in chemical syntheses of consumer and industrial products such as nutritionals, pharmaceuticals, and insecticides.
Tetrahydrofuran is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong ether-like odour. 

Tetrahydrofuran is highly flammable. Contact of tetrahydrofuran with strong oxidising agents may cause explosions. 
Tetrahydrofuran may polymerise in the presence of cationic initiators. 
Contact with lithium–aluminium hydride, with other lithium–aluminium alloys, or with sodium or potassium hydroxide can be hazardous.

However, Tetrahydrofuran is highly flammable and should be handled with care.
It can form explosive peroxides when exposed to air and light for extended periods.
For safety, it is usually stored under nitrogen or in dark, tightly sealed containers.

Tetrahydrofuran also has some health hazards when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, and irritation to the eyes or respiratory tract.
Prolonged exposure may lead to central nervous system effects or liver and kidney damage.

Environmentally, Tetrahydrofuran is biodegradable but can still pose risks to aquatic life if improperly disposed.
It evaporates quickly and can contribute to air pollution when released into the atmosphere.
Proper waste management and ventilation are essential during its use in laboratories or factories.

Tetrahydrofuran is a colorless, volatile liquid with an ethereal or acetonelike smell and is miscible in water and most organic solvents.
Tetrahydrofuran is highly flammable and may thermally decompose to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. 
Prolonged storage in contact with air and in the absence of an antioxidant may cause THF to decompose into explosive peroxides.

Tetrahydrofuran 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. 

Tetrahydrofuran is a clear, colorless, and highly volatile liquid organic compound.
Tetrahydrofuran has the chemical formula C₄H₈O and is classified as a cyclic ether.
The “99.9%” purity indicates that it is nearly free from impurities, making it suitable for laboratory and industrial use.

Tetrahydrofuran is an excellent solvent that can dissolve a wide range of polar and nonpolar compounds.
Tetrahydrofuran is commonly used in the production of plastics, adhesives, coatings, and resins.
In organic chemistry, it serves as a medium for reactions involving organometallic reagents like Grignard reagents and lithium aluminum hydride.

Because of its ability to solvate cations, Tetrahydrofuran is particularly useful in coordination chemistry.
It can form complexes with metal ions, helping to stabilize reactive intermediates.
This property makes it an important solvent in polymerization and reduction reactions.

Although Tetrahydrofuran is naturally present in coffee aroma, floured chickpeas, and cooked chicken, natural exposures are not anticipated to pose a significant hazard.
The product is Tetrahydrofuran and it contains 250ppm BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) as an inhibitor. 
Tetrahydrofuran is widely employed as a solvent. 

It constitutes the key fragment of various natural products (polyether antibiotics).
Tetrahydrofuran forms double hydrate with hydrogen sulfide. 
Crystal structure of this double hydrate has been investigated by three-dimensional single-crystal studies.

Melting point:-108 °C
Boiling point:66 °C
Density:0.887 g/mL at 20 °C
Vapor density:2.5 (vs air)
Vapor pressure:<0.01 mm Hg (25 °C)
Refractive index:n20/D 1.465
Flash point:>230 °F
Storage temperature:Store at +5 °C to +30 °C
Solubility:Water, soluble
Form:Liquid
Specific gravity:0.89
Color:<10 (APHA)
Relative polarity:0.207
pH:7–8 (200 g/L, H₂O, 20 °C)
Odor:Ethereal, detectable at 2–50 ppm
pH range:7
Explosive limit:1.5–12.4% (V)
Water solubility:Miscible
Freezing point:-108 °C
Sensitive:Air sensitive and hygroscopic
λmax:λ 245 nm Amax ≤0.26; λ 275 nm Amax ≤0.046; λ 315 μm Amax ≤0.0044
Merck:14,9211
BRN:102391
Henry’s Law Constant:1.54 (static headspace-GC, Welke et al., 1998)
Exposure limits:TLV-TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m³) (ACGIH, MSHA, OSHA); STEL 250 ppm (ACGIH); IDLH 20,000 ppm (NIOSH)
Dielectric constant:7.58 (25 °C)
Dielectric constant (−70 °C):11.6
Stability:Stable. Incompatible with halogens, strong oxidizing/reducing agents, strong bases, oxygen. May form explosive peroxides in air. Highly flammable. Store under nitrogen. Hazardous polymerization possible. Light sensitive. May contain BHT as stabilizer.
InChIKey:WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP:0.45 at 25 °C
Surface tension:27.31 mN/m at 293.15 K

Tetrahydrofuran’s miscibility with water makes it unique among ethers.
Tetrahydrofuran can form homogeneous mixtures with both polar and nonpolar substances.
As a result, it is widely used for extracting compounds and purifying reaction mixtures.

In laboratories, Tetrahydrofuran is often distilled or purified before use to remove peroxides and moisture.
Moisture can interfere with sensitive reactions, especially those involving reactive metals.
Therefore, anhydrous Tetrahydrofuran (extremely dry THF) is stored over sodium or molecular sieves.

Despite its usefulness, Tetrahydrofuran is classified as a hazardous material.
Tetrahydrofuran has a flash point of −21 °C, meaning it can ignite easily at room temperature.
It also produces vapors that can form explosive mixtures with air.

Exposure to Tetrahydrofuran vapors in confined spaces should be avoided.
Laboratories typically use fume hoods to minimize inhalation risks.
Workers should also wear protective gloves and goggles to prevent contact with the liquid.

From an environmental perspective, THF breaks down relatively quickly in air and water.
However, if released in large quantities, it can contaminate groundwater or soil.
Its biodegradability does not eliminate the need for careful disposal through proper waste systems.

A cyclic ether that is butane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by an oxygen.
A clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor, less dense than water, flash point 6°Fi vapors are heavier than air.
Tetrahydrofuran reacts violently with oxidizing agents leading to fires and explosions. 

Thus, use as a solvent for lithium aluminum hydride has led to fires. Using potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to dry impure Tetrahydrofuran that contains peroxides has resulted in explosions. 
A violent explosion occurred during the preparation of sodium aluminum hydride from sodium and aluminum in a medium of Tetrahydrofuran. 
Tetrahydrofuran forms explosive products with 2-aminophenol.

Tetrahydrofuran can form shock- and heat-sensitive peroxides, which may explode on concentration by distillation or evaporation. 
Always test samples of Tetrahydrofuran for the presence of peroxides before distilling or allowing to evaporate. 
Tetrahydrofuran should never be distilled to dryness.

The primary use of Tetrahydrofuran is as a solvent to dissolve synthetic resins, particularly polyvinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride copolymers. 
Tetrahydrofuran is also used to cast polyvinyl chloride films, to coat substrates with vinyl and vinylidene chloride; and to solubilize adhesives based on or containing polyvinyl chloride resins. 
A second large market for Tetrahydrofuran is as an electrolytic solvent in the Grignard reaction-based production of tetramethyl lead. 

Tetrahydrofuran is used as an intermediate in the production of polytetramethylene glycol.
Tetrahydrofuran should be used only in areas free of ignition sources, and quantities greater than 1 liter should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers. 
Containers of Tetrahydrofuran should be dated when opened and tested periodically for the presence of peroxides.

It is obtained commercially by catalytic hydrogenation of furan from pentosan-containing agricultural residues. 
Tetrahydrofuran was purified by refluxing with, and distilling from LiAlH4 which removes water, peroxides, inhibitors and other impurities. 
Peroxides can also be removed by passage through a column of activated alumina, or by treatment with aqueous ferrous sulfate and sodium bisulfate, followed by solid KOH. 

In both cases, the solvent is then dried and fractionally distilled from sodium. 
Lithium wire or vigorously stirred molten potassium have also been used for this purpose. 
CaH2 has also been used as a drying agent, several methods are available for obtaining the solvent almost anhydrous. 

The solvent is kept in contact with the alloy until distilled for use. 
Worsfold and Bywater, after refluxing and distilling from P2O5 and KOH, in turn, refluxed the solvent with sodium-potassium alloy and fluorenone until the green colour of the disodium salt of fluorenone was well established. 
The tetrahydrofuran was then fractionally distilled, degassed and stored above CaH2. 

Forms thermally explosive peroxides in air on standing (in absence of inhibitors).
Peroxides can be detonated by heating, friction, or impact. Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, strong bases and some metal halides. 
Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.

Nova Molecular manufactures and markets Tetrahydrofuran in North America. 
Nova Tetrahydrofuran 99.9% is primarily used for solvent applications and is tightly controlled to minimize organic and inorganic impurities.
Tetrahydrofuran is also known by several other names, such as oxolane, 1,4-epoxybutane, and butane-1,4-oxide.

It belongs to the family of heterocyclic compounds, meaning it has a ring structure containing an oxygen atom.
This ring structure gives THF both flexibility and stability in various chemical environments.
Its molecular weight is 72.11 g/mol, and it has a boiling point of 66 °C.

The melting point is around −108 °C, showing it remains liquid under most conditions.
Because of its low viscosity, Tetrahydrofuran flows easily and mixes well with many organic solvents and water.
Industrially, Tetrahydrofuran is often used to produce polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG).

Tetrahydrofuran is a key ingredient in manufacturing polyurethanes, spandex fibers, and thermoplastic elastomers.
These materials are used in clothing, coatings, sealants, and flexible plastics.
In the field of polymer chemistry, Tetrahydrofuran acts as both a solvent and a reactant.

It can participate in ring-opening polymerization to form linear polyethers.
This makes it valuable for synthesizing flexible and high-performance polymer materials.

Uses Of Tetrahydrofuran:
Tetrahydrofuran serves as a solvent for lithium salts and electrolytes in experimental energy storage systems.
Researchers use it to develop and test lithium-metal and post-lithium batteries.
In academic research, Tetrahydrofuran is commonly used to study reaction mechanisms and polymerization.

It supports investigations into coordination chemistry, ring-opening reactions, and reduction processes.
Its stability and compatibility with many reagents make it a standard laboratory solvent.
Tetrahydrofuran is used in surface treatment and cleaning applications as well.

Its strong dissolving power removes oils, greases, and organic residues from metal or glass surfaces.
It is sometimes used in electronics manufacturing for precise cleaning and degreasing.
Lastly, Tetrahydrofuran is found in chemical manufacturing as an intermediate.

It is used to produce tetrahydrothiophene, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and other cyclic compounds.
These chemicals are further utilized in producing pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and specialty solvents.
Butylene oxide is used as a fumigant and inadmixture with other compounds. 

Tetrahydrofuran is usedto stabilize fuel with respect to color andsludge formation.
Tetrahydrofuran is used primarily (80%) to make polytetramethylene ether glycol, the base polymer used primarily in the manufacture of elastomeric fibers (e.g., spandex) as well as polyurethane and polyester elastomers (e.g., artificial leather, skateboard wheels). 
The remainder (20%) is used in solvent applications (e.g., pipe cements, adhesives, printing inks, and magnetic tape) and as a reaction solvent in chemical and pharmaceutical syntheses.

Tetrahydrofuran is used as a solvent forresins, vinyls, and high polymers; as a Grignardreaction medium for organometallic,and metal hydride reactions; and in the synthesisof succinic acid and butyrolactone.
Tetrahydrofuran, the saturated derivative of furan, when used as a solvent for high molecular weight polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl chloride copolymers, and polyvinylidene chloride copolymers at ambient temperatures yields solutions of high solids content.
Blends of THF and methyl ethyl ketone are often used for increased solvency in certain polymer compositions. 

Applications for Tetrahydrofuran polymer solutions include PVC top coatings of automotive upholstery, audio tape coatings of polyurethane/metal oxides on polyester tape, polyurethane coatings for fabric finishes, water-vapor barrier film coatings of PVC, and polyvinylidene chloride copolymers onto cellophane film. 
Tetrahydrofuran is an excellent solvent for many inks used for printing on PVC film and on PVC plastic articles. 

Polyvinyl chloride pipe welding cements are made by dissolving the resin in THF solvent. Other adhesive applications include cements for leather, plastic sheeting, and for molded plastic assemblies. 
Other uses of Tetrahydrofuran are as a chemical intermediate and as a complexing solvent for various inorganic, organometallic, and organic compounds. 
These Tetrahydrofuran complexes are important as Grignard reagents, catalysts for organic reactions, and in stereo-specific polymerizations. 

Tetrahydrofuran is the solvent of choice in many pharmaceutical reactions and applications. 
The excellent solvency of Tetrahydrofuran makes this solvent ideal for solvent cleaning of polymer manufacturing and processing equipment.
Dry Tetrahydrofuran has been used in the synthesis of dichloro{bis[1,1′,1′′-(phosphinetriyl)tripiperidine]}palladium [(P(NC5H10)3)2Pd(Cl)2], which is widely used in the Heck reaction as a catalyst. 

Tetrahydrofuran has been employed in the reaction medium of the Heck cross-coupling reaction of various aryl bromides and olefins.
Solvent for high polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride. 
As reaction medium for Grignard and metal hydride reactions. 

In the synthesis of butyrolactone, succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol diacetate. 
Solvent in histological techniques. 
May be used under Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act for fabrication of articles for packaging, transporting, or storing of foods if residual amount does not exceed 1.5% of the film.

Tetrahydrofuran is widely used as a versatile solvent in chemistry and industry.
Tetrahydrofuran dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds, making it ideal for many synthetic processes.
Because of its high purity (99.9%), it is preferred in sensitive laboratory reactions.

In organic synthesis, Tetrahydrofuran is used as a medium for Grignard reactions and metal hydride reductions.
It stabilizes reactive intermediates and improves product yields in these reactions.
Its ability to coordinate with metal ions enhances reaction control and selectivity.

Tetrahydrofuran plays a crucial role in the production of polymers and plastics.
Tetrahydrofuran is the primary solvent used to manufacture polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG).
PTMEG is then used to make polyurethane elastomers, spandex fibers, and thermoplastic elastomers.

In the coatings and adhesive industries, THF acts as a strong solvent for resins.
It helps dissolve materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene.
This property makes it valuable in creating clear coatings, adhesives, and film-forming solutions.

Tetrahydrofuran is also employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a reaction and extraction solvent.
Tetrahydrofuran helps in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
Its water miscibility allows for efficient purification and crystallization of drug compounds.

In analytical chemistry, Tetrahydrofuran is used for chromatography and sample preparation.
It assists in dissolving complex mixtures for better separation and identification.

Its purity level ensures minimal interference in analytical measurements.
Tetrahydrofuran is also applied in electrochemical and battery research.

Safety Profile Of Tetrahydrofuran:
In contrast to the CNS effects, the male rat kidney tumors and female mouse liver tumors appear to be induced by the parent compound, not a metabolite. 
Lifetime exposures of rodents to tetrahydro-2-furanone, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, and sodium succinate have not resulted in treatment-related carcinogenic effects, and a mechanistic study demonstrated that hepatocellular proliferation in female mice exposed to Tetrahydrofuran is actually enhanced by CYP450 inhibition, not decreased as one would predict if proliferation is mediated by a THF metabolite. 

The THF database has been reviewed against potential mode of action (MoA) candidates including direct DNA reactivity, cytotoxicity followed by regenerative cell proliferation, excessive accumulation of alpha 2u-globulin, exacerbation of rat chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN), and nuclear receptor (e.g., constitutive androstane receptor) activation leading to enzyme induction and enhanced cell proliferation. 
While the tumorigenic MoAs have not been identified, exacerbation of CPN (rat kidney) and nuclear receptor activation (mouse liver) are currently the more favored. 

The toxicity of tetrahydrofuran is of loworder in animals and humans. 
The targetorgans are primarily the respiratory systemand central nervous system. 
Tetrahydrofuran is an irritantto the upper respiratory tract and eyes.

Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. 
Mildly toxic by inhalation, human systemic effects by inhalation: general anesthesia. 
Mutation data reported, irritant to eyes and mucous membranes, narcotic in high concentrations. 

Reported as causing injury to liver and kidneys. 
Flammable liquid, a very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flames, oxidizers. 
Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. 

In common with ethers, unstabilized tetrahydrofuran forms thermally explosive peroxides on exposure to air. 
Stored Tetrahydrofuran must always be tested for peroxide prior to distdlation. 
Peroxides can be removed by treatment with strong ferrous sulfate solution made slightly acidic with sodium bisulfate. 

Caustic alkalies deplete the inhibitor in Tetrahydrofuran and may subsequently cause an explosive reaction. 
Explosive reaction with KOH, NaAlH2, NaOH, sodium tetrahydroaluminate. 
Reacts with 2-aminophenol + potassium dioxide to form an explosive product. 

Reacts with lithium tetrahydroaluminate or borane to form explosive hydrogen gas. 
Violent reaction with metal halides (e.g., hafnium tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride, zirconium tetrachloride). 
Vigorous reaction with bromine, calcium hydride + heat, can react with oxidizing materials. 

To fight fire, use foam, dry chemical, COa. 
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. 
The principal target organs in rodents receiving repeated exposures to Tetrahydrofuran are the central nervous system (CNS), kidney, and liver. 

The CNS effects caused by Tetrahydrofuran are thought to be mediated via the Tetrahydrofuran metabolites tetrahydro-2-furanone and 4-hydroxybutanoic acid. 
This is consistent with the CNS effects associated with these metabolites as well as the higher narcotic potency of Tetrahydrofuran in mice than in comparably exposed rats and the shorter half-life of Tetrahydrofuran in the presence of mouse versus rat hepatic microsomes.