furan

Furan is an organic compound with the formula C4H4O. It is a heterocyclic aromatic compound consisting of a five-membered ring containing four carbon atoms and one oxygen. The ring is planar and aromatic, containing six pi electrons, which classifies furan as a member of the furans. It is the parent structure for a range of substituted furans.

Furan is a colorless to pale liquid at room temperature with a boiling point of about 31°C. It is relatively volatile and flammable and is miscible with many organic solvents. The compound can undergo electrophilic substitution at the 2- and 3-positions of the ring and is susceptible to oxidation, producing various derivatives.

Industrial production of furan is achieved primarily by catalytic dehydrogenation of tetrahydrofuran (THF). It can also be formed in small amounts during heating of carbohydrate-containing foods and as a byproduct in some industrial cooking processes.

Applications of furan include its use as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of furans and furan-based resins. It serves as a precursor to several commercially important derivatives, including furfural and related compounds. Furan-based resins are employed as binders in foundry processes and in other resin applications.

Safety and handling: Furan is flammable and considered toxic. Exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Some health agencies classify it as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Proper ventilation, protective equipment, and storage away from heat are advised, along with adherence to relevant occupational exposure limits.