Description
Tetrahydrofuran (THF, CAS 109-99-9) is a cyclic ether with the formula C₄H₈O, supplied here at 99.9% minimum purity. Notably, this Tetrahydrofuran is a colorless, water-miscible liquid used as a solvent of intermediate polarity across coatings, adhesives, and organic synthesis.
Why This Tetrahydrofuran Grade Matters
Because Tetrahydrofuran readily forms explosive peroxides when exposed to air, purity and additive levels directly affect how safely it works in storage and use. As a result, this grade is stabilized with BHT within the 0.005–0.04% range confirmed on every Certificate of Analysis, keeping peroxide formation low across normal shelf life.
Certificate of Analysis — Typical Results
| Item |
Specification |
Result |
| Appearance |
Colorless, clear, without suspended solids |
Qualified |
| THF, %(wt) |
≥99.9 |
99.9372 |
| Water, %(wt) |
≤0.01 |
0.0075 |
| APHA Color |
≤10 |
5 |
| Peroxide, %(wt) |
≤0.01 |
0.0018 |
| BHT, %(wt) |
0.005–0.04 |
0.0106 |
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is issued with every shipment.
Reference Data
- CAS Number: 109-99-9
- EC Number: 203-726-8
- Molecular Formula: C₄H₈O
- Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol
- Synonyms: Oxolane, Tetramethylene oxide, 1,4-Epoxybutane
Applications
Coatings and Adhesives — Specifically, Tetrahydrofuran dissolves vinyl and epoxy resins effectively, making it a common solvent for synthetic leather coatings and vinyl-based adhesives.
Printing Inks — In addition, its fast evaporation rate and ability to dissolve slightly soluble inorganic compounds suit it for printing ink formulations.
Organic Synthesis — Furthermore, Tetrahydrofuran serves as a reaction medium for Grignard and Wittig reactions, and as a solvent in pharmaceutical and agricultural compound purification.
Film Casting — Similarly, Tetrahydrofuran is used in vinyl chloride heat-shrinkable film production.
Finally, for background on how this solvent is classified and used across the chemical industry, see Wikipedia’s overview of tetrahydrofuran.
Handling and Safety
Tetrahydrofuran is highly flammable and forms explosive peroxides on prolonged exposure to air. Therefore, store it in a tightly sealed container, and handle it according to its Safety Data Sheet. Full SDS documentation is available on request.
Packaging
Overall, we supply Tetrahydrofuran in steel drums (180 kg net weight) and ISO tank containers. Additionally, see also our Petroleum Ether, 61-76°C under the same Solvents product line, or request a quote.