tetrahydrofuran2carboxaldehyde

Tetrahydrofuran, commonly abbreviated THF, is a five-membered cyclic ether (C4H8O). It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive ether-like odor. THF is a polar aprotic solvent with good solvating ability for both inorganic salts and many polymers, and it has a relatively high boiling point for an ether.

Industrial production of THF typically involves catalytic hydrogenation of furfural- or furan-derived feedstocks, often obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. The product is purified by distillation and dried to low water content for use as a solvent. THF is miscible with water and with many organic solvents, making it versatile for laboratory and industrial use. It is frequently chosen as a solvent for reactions such as Grignard reagent formation, lithiation, and other organometallic processes due to its ability to stabilize metal centers through coordination.

In manufacturing and laboratory settings, THF is widely used as a solvent for polymerization reactions and for processing plastics, resins, and coatings. It also finds applications in pharmaceutical synthesis and as a co-solvent in various formulations.

Safety: THF is highly flammable and should be used with adequate ventilation away from ignition sources. It readily forms organic peroxides during storage in air, and aged samples can pose explosion hazards; stabilizers are often added, and peroxide content should be checked before distillation or concentration. Containers should be kept sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Environmental handling follows standard regulations for volatile organic compounds.