Tetrahydrofuran

Name:
Tetrahydrofuran
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	THF
Properties:
Water-white liquid; ethereal odor. D 0.888 (20C), refr index 1.4070 (20C), fp −65C, bp 66C, flash p 5F (−15C) (OC), autoign temp 610F (321C). Soluble in water and organic solvents.
Derivation:
(1) Catalytic hydrogenation of furan with nickel catalyst. (2) Acid-catalyzed dehydration of 1,4-butanediol.
Grade:
Technical, spectrophotometric.
Hazard:
Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Flammable limits in air 2–11.8%. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. TLV: 200 ppm; STEL 250 ppm.
Use:
Solvent for natural and synthetic resins (particularly vinyls), in top-coating solutions, polymer coating, cellophane, protective coatings, adhesives, magnetic tapes, printing inks, etc. Grignard reactions, lithium aluminum hydride reductions, and polymerizations; chemical intermediate and monomer.