tetrahüdofuraani

Tetrahydrofuran, often abbreviated as THF, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH2)4O. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a low viscosity and a faint, ether-like odor. THF is classified as a cyclic ether, meaning it contains an oxygen atom within a ring structure. The ring consists of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.

THF is highly miscible with water and a wide range of organic solvents, making it a popular choice as a solvent in various chemical reactions and industrial processes. It is frequently used as a solvent for polymers, particularly PVC, and in the production of adhesives, coatings, and inks. Its ability to dissolve a broad spectrum of substances contributes to its utility in organic synthesis, where it serves as a reaction medium for Grignard reagents, metal hydrides, and other organometallic compounds.

Industrially, THF is primarily produced through the dehydration of 1,4-butanediol. It can also be synthesized from furan via catalytic hydrogenation. Due to its flammability and potential for peroxide formation upon exposure to air, proper handling and storage procedures are essential when working with THF. Peroxides can be explosive, so it is often stored with inhibitors to prevent their formation. THF finds applications in pharmaceuticals, magnetic tape production, and as a precursor for the polymer polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), which is used to make spandex fibers.