34dihydrofuran

3,4-dihydrofuran, also known as 3,4-dihydro-2H-furan, is a heterocyclic organic compound with the formula C4H6O. It is the partially hydrogenated derivative of furan, a five-membered ring containing one oxygen atom. In 3,4-dihydrofuran, two hydrogen atoms are added to the ring relative to furan, reducing its degree of unsaturation and altering its aromatic character.

The core structure is a five-membered ring with a single oxygen atom, and the dihydro form is less aromatic than furan. It is encountered mainly as an intermediate or building block in organic synthesis rather than as a standalone commercial chemical. It can be produced by selective catalytic hydrogenation of furans and related precursors and can also arise in synthetic sequences that involve hydrogenation steps of furan-containing substrates. In practice, it is often prepared and used in situ for downstream transformations.

In terms of reactivity, 3,4-dihydrofuran can undergo further hydrogenation to yield tetrahydrofuran (THF), a widely used solvent and industrial monomer, or be converted to other functionalized heterocycles through standard ring transformations. Its role in synthesis is typically as a temporary ring system that can be elaborated into more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.

Safety and handling follow general precautions for small, volatile ethers and organic intermediates. As with many reactive heterocycles, storage and use under appropriate conditions are advised to minimize exposure and environmental impact.