Furfural

Furfural, or 2-furaldehyde, is an organic compound in the furan family. It has the formula C5H4O2 and consists of a furan ring bearing a formyl substituent. It is typically described as a colorless to yellow liquid with a characteristic odor and is relatively polar due to the aldehyde group.

Production and occurrence: Furfural is produced industrially by acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars, such as xylose and arabinose, which are abundant in the hemicellulose fraction of plant biomass. Common feedstocks include agricultural residues like corncobs, oat hulls, sugarcane bagasse, and wood residues. The crude product is purified through distillation and solvent extraction to meet downstream requirements.

Uses and applications: Furfural serves as a versatile platform chemical. It is a precursor to furfuryl alcohol and to a range of furan derivatives used in resins, coatings, plastics, and agrochemicals. Furfuryl alcohol, produced from furfural, is a key monomer for furfuryl resins employed in foundry sands and other molding materials.

Properties and handling: It is a reactive aldehyde featuring a furan ring. It is flammable and should be stored away from heat sources and oxidizers. It can act as an irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and exposure should be minimized through appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment.

Safety and environment: Furfural is subject to standard chemical safety and environmental regulations. It is managed to minimize occupational exposure and environmental release, with waste streams treated according to local and international guidelines.

See also: furfuryl alcohol, furfural resins, biomass-derived platform chemicals.