tetrahüdrofüraanis

Tetrahydrofuran, often abbreviated as THF, is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4O. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a low viscosity. THF is a cyclic ether, meaning it contains an oxygen atom within a ring structure. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent in chemical reactions.

THF is widely used as a solvent in organic chemistry due to its ability to dissolve a broad range of polar and nonpolar compounds. It is particularly effective for dissolving polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is used in the production of coatings, adhesives, and some pharmaceuticals. In Grignard reactions and other organometallic chemistry, THF is a common solvent because it can solvate the metal cation, increasing the reactivity of the organometallic reagent.

The compound is typically produced industrially by the dehydration of 1,4-butanediol. It can also be formed by the catalytic hydrogenation of furan. THF is relatively stable but can form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air and light over time, which is a significant safety consideration during its storage and use. Distillation over reducing agents is often employed to remove these peroxides. Due to its solvent properties, THF is an important chemical intermediate and is found in various industrial processes.