Substance profile
Furan
Furan is a colorless liquid, turns brown upon standing with an ethereal odor.
01 · Identification
What Furan is
Furan is a colorless liquid, turns brown upon standing with an ethereal odor. Its molecular formula is C4H4O and its molecular weight is 68.07 g/mol. It boils at 31.5 °C, melts at -85.6 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH019
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P312, P313, P314, P330, P332, P352, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Furan properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 31.5 °C (88.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 32.22 °C (90 °F) | at 758 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 31.3 °C (88.3 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -85.61 °C (-122.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -86.11 °C (-123 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -85.6 °C (-122.1 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.9514 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.9731 g/cm³ | at 19.4 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.9371 g/cm³ | at 19.4 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and ether | HSDB | |
| Slightly soluble in chloroform; very soluble in ethanol, ether; soluble in acetone, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 493 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 493.541 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 600 mmHg | at 25 °C, from experimentally derived coefficients | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -35.56 °C (-32 °F) | HSDB | |
| -35 °C (-31 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Less than 32F (EPA, 1998) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 390 °C (734 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.3 % by volume | % by vol | HSDB |
| 2.3 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 14.3 % by volume | % by vol | HSDB |
| 14.3 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 2.3 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 214 °C (417.2 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Furan
Storage conditions
Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in an explosion-proof refrigerator. Keep in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere and protect from light for long-term storage. A regulated, marked area should be established where this chemical is handled, used, or stored ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Violent reaction with acids, oxidizers. Unless stablized with an inhibitor, air exposure forms unstable peroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
FURAN is sensitive to heat and may turn brown upon standing. This compound may be light sensitive. When uninhibited, this compound forms explosive peroxides on exposure to air. This chemical may react with oxidizers, acids, peroxides and oxygen. It resinifies on evaporation or when in contact with mineral acids, but it is stable in alkalis. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Furan in the storage compatibility matrix →