Substance profile
Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydrofuran is colorless, mobile liquid with an ether-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Tetrahydrofuran is
Tetrahydrofuran is colorless, mobile liquid with an ether-like odor. Its molecular formula is C4H8O and its molecular weight is 72.11 g/mol. It boils at 65 °C, melts at -108 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Tetrahydrofuran
- THF
- Butane Alpha,Delta-Oxide
- Butane, 1,4-Epoxy-
- Butylene Oxide
- Cyclotetramethylene Oxide
- Diethylene Oxide
- 1,4-Epoxybutane
- Furan, Tetrahydro-
- Furanidine
- Hydrofuran
- Oxacyclopentane
- Oxolane
- Tetramethylene Oxide
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH019
Precautionary statements: P201, P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P305, P308, P313, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetrahydrofuran 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 | 65 °C (149 °F) | HSDB | |
| 66.11 °C (151 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 66.11 °C (151 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -108.44 °C (-163.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -108.33 °C (-163 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -108.5 °C (-163.3 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.89 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.888 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.8833 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohols, ketones, esters, hydrocarbons, and ethers. | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in acetone, benzene, ether, ethanol, and chloroform | HSDB | ||
| 30% IN WATER AT 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 132 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 144.762 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 162 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -14.44 °C (6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -14.5 °C (5.9 °F) | closed cup | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 321 °C (609.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 321.11 °C (610 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2 % by volume | % by vol | HSDB |
| 2 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| 1.8 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 11.8 % by volume | % by vol | HSDB |
| 11.8 % by volume | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 2.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 20-50 ppm @3.8 M | HSDB | |
| 7.3-10.2 mg/cu m (recognition in air) | HSDB | ||
| Low: 7.37 mg/cu m; High: 177.0 mg/cu m | From table | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 268 °C (514.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Tetrahydrofuran will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tetrahydrofuran
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat, oxidizing materials, and sunlight. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with lithium tetrahydroaluminate or borane to form explosive hydrogen gas. Violent reaction with metal halides (e.g., hafnium tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride, zirconium tetrachloride). Vigorous reaction with bromine, calcium hydride + heat. Can react with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TETRAHYDROFURAN reacts violently with oxidizing agents leading to fires and explosions [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 891]. Subject to peroxidation in the air. Peroxides or their products react exothermically with lithium aluminum hydride [MCA Guide for Safety 1973]. Thus, use as a solvent for lithium aluminum hydride has led to fires. Using potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to dry impure tetrahydrofuran that contains peroxides has resulted in explosions. A violent explosion occurred during the preparation of sodium aluminum hydride from sodium and aluminum in a medium of tetrahydrofuran [Chem. Eng. News 39(40):57. 1961]. THF forms explosive products with 2-aminophenol [Lewis 3227].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetrahydrofuran in the storage compatibility matrix →
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