Description

Tetrahydrofuran, or THF, is a colorless liquid. It is considered a heterocyclic compound that includes oxygen. This oxygen atom can accept hydrogen bonding, making the compound water-soluble. THF can dissolve many organic compounds. It also has a low boiling point and easily evaporates after chemical reactions. When exposed to strong acids, THF can be polymerized into a form known as polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), which is used to make elastic fabrics.

Polarity

This compound is a moderate polar aprotic solvent. THF has a moderate polarity thanks to the electronegativity difference between the oxygen and the carbon atoms. The Polarity Index of this compound is 4.0. Similar to its Polarity Index are n-butyl Acetate, Isobutyl Alcohol, Methyl Isoamyl Ketone, and n-propyl Alcohol. It is water-miscible, and it acts as an aprotic solvent. An aprotic solvent lacks an acid or base group, making it incapable of donating or accepting protons. THF is soluble in some polar and some nonpolar compounds, which is why it is involved in various applications as a solvent.

Uses

Tetrahydrofuran is commonly used as a solvent, reaction medium, and starting material for various syntheses in the chemical industry, for example, for preparing adhesives, special paints, coatings, fibers, in the extraction of specific active substances, for recrystallization of certain compounds or as starting material for various syntheses in several reactions[1]. Although THF is naturally present in coffee aromas, floured chickpeas, and cooked chicken, natural exposures are not anticipated to pose a significant hazard.

Referencers

[1] Luis, P. "Hybrid processes based on membrane technology." Fundamental Modelling of Membrane Systems 2018: 301-343.