Tetrahydrofuran (THF) | High-Purity Cyclic Ether Solvent

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) at a Glance

Tetrahydrofuran, commonly abbreviated as THF, is a clear, colorless, water-miscible organic liquid identified by CAS No. 109-99-9. It is a five-membered cyclic ether valued for its strong solvency, low viscosity, rapid evaporation and ability to dissolve a broad range of polymers and organic compounds.

THF is used both as a process solvent and as a chemical intermediate. Major applications include PTMEG production, pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis, organometallic reactions, coatings, adhesives, PVC cements and polymer processing.

We supply Tetrahydrofuran against agreed purity, moisture, stabilizer, packaging and documentation requirements. Final product specifications are confirmed in the quotation and batch Certificate of Analysis.

• Product name: Tetrahydrofuran

• Abbreviation: THF

• CAS number: 109-99-9

• EC number: 203-726-8

• Molecular formula: C₄H₈O

• Molecular weight: 72.11 g/mol

• Chemical family: Cyclic ether

• Product type: Organic solvent and chemical intermediate

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

• Transport identification: UN 2056, Class 3, Packing Group II

THF Identity and Physical Properties

The following values are general reference information rather than a contractual sales specification. Use the applicable Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis when qualifying a shipment.

Typical THF Specifications and Quality Parameters

A useful THF specification should cover more than assay alone. The correct limits depend on the intended reaction, polymer system, recovery process and storage conditions.

Contract specifications should define the analytical method as well as the numerical limit. Results obtained by different water, peroxide or purity methods may not be directly comparable.

THF Grades and How to Choose

Stabilized Industrial THF

Stabilized THF contains a controlled amount of an inhibitor, commonly BHT, to slow peroxide formation during normal storage and distribution.

This grade is often selected for:

• Polymer and resin processing

• Adhesives and PVC cements

• General organic synthesis

• Coatings and formulation work

• Industrial solvent systems

• Processes in which the stabilizer is acceptable

The required BHT range should be stated in the purchase specification rather than assumed from the product name.

Anhydrous THF

Anhydrous THF is manufactured or treated to provide controlled low water content. It is commonly considered for reactions in which moisture can consume reagents, deactivate catalysts or reduce conversion.

Potential uses include:

• Grignard and organometallic reactions

• Moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical synthesis

• Catalyst-based chemical processes

• Specialty polymerization

• Research and analytical applications

“Anhydrous” does not automatically mean “inhibitor-free.” Buyers should specify both the maximum water content and the permitted stabilizer level.

Inhibitor-Free THF

Inhibitor-free THF is intended for applications in which BHT or another stabilizer could interfere with the reaction, catalyst, analysis or final product.

Because unstabilized THF can form hazardous peroxides during exposure to oxygen and light, it requires carefully controlled packaging, storage, testing and inventory management. Suitability should be reviewed by qualified technical and safety personnel before purchase.

HPLC and Analytical THF

Analytical grades may include additional controls for UV absorbance, evaporation residue, water, acidity and trace impurities. These grades are designed for laboratory or instrument-based applications and should not be selected solely from the assay value.

Why THF Is an Effective Process Solvent

THF combines several properties that make it useful in chemical and polymer processing:

• It dissolves many polar and non-polar organic substances.

• It is miscible with water and compatible with numerous organic solvents.

• Its ether oxygen can coordinate with metal ions and organometallic reagents.

• Its relatively low boiling point supports solvent removal and recovery.

• Its low viscosity supports mixing, pumping and mass transfer.

• It can dissolve or soften selected polymers, including PVC and certain polyurethane or resin systems.

These same properties mean that solvent compatibility, vapor control and recovery conditions must be evaluated for each process.

Tetrahydrofuran Applications by Industry

THF serves as a reaction medium, processing solvent and chemical building block across polymer, pharmaceutical, coating and specialty-chemical operations.

PTMEG and Polymer Production

THF is an important feedstock for producing polytetramethylene ether glycol, also called PTMEG or PTMG. PTMEG is subsequently used in elastane fibers, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane elastomers and other high-performance materials.

For polymer-production applications, buyers may evaluate:

• THF purity

• Water and acidity

• Stabilizer content

• Consistency between production batches

• Bulk packaging and transfer capability

• Traceability and continuity of supply

Organic Synthesis and Grignard Reactions

THF is widely used as a reaction medium for organometallic chemistry because its ether oxygen helps solvate metal centers. It is commonly associated with Grignard reagents, reductions, coupling reactions and other moisture-sensitive transformations.

Grade selection should be based on the reaction’s permitted water, stabilizer and impurity limits. Anhydrous THF containing stabilizer may be suitable for some reactions, while other processes require an inhibitor-free grade.

Coatings, Adhesives and Resins

THF can dissolve or modify the viscosity of selected polymers and resin systems. Applications include:

• PVC solvent cements

• Specialty adhesives

• Polymer coatings

• Resin solutions

• Film and membrane processing

• Laboratory-scale polymer casting

Formulators should verify substrate compatibility, evaporation rate, worker-exposure controls and local VOC requirements.

Pharmaceutical and Fine-Chemical Processing

In pharmaceutical and fine-chemical manufacturing, THF may be used as a reaction solvent, extraction medium or processing aid.

Important purchasing criteria can include:

• Defined water content

• Stabilizer declaration

• Impurity profile

• Batch traceability

• Residual-solvent control strategy

• Change-notification expectations

• Regulatory and origin documentation

Use in pharmaceutical processing does not by itself indicate that a product is pharmaceutical grade. The required grade must be qualified for the specific process and market.

Cleaning, Extraction and Laboratory Use

THF may be used in controlled cleaning, extraction and laboratory procedures because of its broad solvency. Before use, confirm material compatibility, ventilation, waste handling and the potential for peroxide accumulation.

Stabilized vs Inhibitor-Free THF

Inhibitor-free THF should not be selected simply because it appears to be a “purer” product. The technically correct grade is the one that meets both process-performance and safe-handling requirements.

Managing Peroxide Formation in THF

THF can form peroxides when exposed to oxygen, particularly during extended storage or when inhibitor-free material is used. Peroxides may become concentrated during evaporation or distillation.

A site-specific THF management program should address:

• Receipt date and opening date

• Stabilizer status

• Storage time and temperature

• Exposure to air and light

• Peroxide testing frequency and method

• Maximum acceptable peroxide level

• Treatment of aged, unknown or concentrated material

• Restrictions on distillation or evaporation to dryness

• Qualified waste disposal procedures

Do not use, transfer, concentrate or distill aged THF with an unknown storage history until it has been assessed under an approved safety procedure.

Packaging, Storage and Bulk Supply

Depending on grade, shipment quantity and destination, THF may be supplied in suitable drums, intermediate containers, ISO tanks or bulk transport equipment. Actual packaging availability must be confirmed during quotation.

THF should be stored:

• In approved, tightly closed containers

• In a cool, dry and well-ventilated chemical-storage area

• Away from heat, sparks, flames and incompatible oxidizing materials

• With suitable bonding, grounding and vapor-control measures

• Under conditions that protect the product from unnecessary air and light exposure

• In accordance with the supplier’s current SDS and local regulations

Confirm whether the quoted packaging is returnable, nitrogen-blanketed or subject to minimum-order requirements.

Safety, Fire and Transport Considerations

THF is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, and high vapor concentrations can affect the central nervous system. Its vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back.

General controls include closed transfer, effective ventilation, approved electrical equipment, ignition-source control, bonding and grounding, appropriate personal protective equipment and an emergency-response plan.

For transport, Tetrahydrofuran is generally identified as:

• UN number: UN 2056

• Proper shipping name: Tetrahydrofuran

• Hazard class: 3

• Packing group: II

This page is not a substitute for the current Safety Data Sheet. Always follow the SDS, applicable transport rules and local occupational-exposure requirements.

Documentation for THF Supplier Qualification

Depending on the market and application, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Product specification

• Country-of-origin statement

• Batch traceability

• Stabilizer declaration

• Allergen or animal-origin statement where relevant

• REACH, TSCA or other market-specific regulatory information

• Packaging and transport details

• Change-notification policy

Document availability and regulatory status should be confirmed for the destination country before ordering.

What to Include in a THF RFQ

For a faster and more accurate quotation, provide:

1. Product name and CAS number

2. Required grade

3. Minimum assay

4. Maximum water content

5. Stabilized or inhibitor-free requirement

6. Required BHT range, if applicable

7. Maximum peroxide limit

8. Required packaging

9. Order quantity and annual demand

10. Delivery country, city or port

11. Intended application

12. Documentation or regulatory requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Tetrahydrofuran

What is Tetrahydrofuran?

Tetrahydrofuran is a colorless, water-miscible cyclic ether used as an organic solvent, reaction medium and chemical intermediate. Its CAS number is 109-99-9.

Is THF organic or inorganic?

THF is an organic compound. More specifically, it is an oxygen-containing, five-membered heterocyclic ether.

Is THF a solvent or a chemical intermediate?

It is both. THF is widely used as a process solvent and reaction medium, while large volumes are also used as a chemical intermediate for PTMEG production.

Is Tetrahydrofuran soluble in water?

Yes. THF is miscible with water. This property can be helpful in certain processes but also means that moisture control is important for water-sensitive applications.

What is the difference between anhydrous and inhibitor-free THF?

Anhydrous describes controlled low water content. Inhibitor-free means that no stabilizer such as BHT has intentionally been added. A THF grade can be anhydrous while still containing a stabilizer.

Why is BHT added to THF?

BHT is commonly added to slow the formation of peroxides during storage and distribution. The required BHT level should be confirmed because the stabilizer may affect certain reactions or analytical methods.

Can THF form explosive peroxides?

Yes. THF can form hazardous peroxides during exposure to oxygen, especially during prolonged storage or when supplied without stabilizer. Peroxides can become more dangerous if THF is concentrated or distilled.

Which THF grade is suitable for a Grignard reaction?

A low-water or anhydrous grade is commonly required, but the permitted stabilizer and impurity levels depend on the specific reagent and process. Buyers should specify maximum water and whether BHT is acceptable.

What information should appear on a THF Certificate of Analysis?

A useful CoA may report assay, water, color, acidity, peroxide content and stabilizer content. Additional tests can be agreed for analytical, pharmaceutical or polymer applications.

Request a Tetrahydrofuran Quote

Send us your required THF grade, assay, water limit, stabilizer requirement, packaging, quantity and destination. We will confirm the applicable specification, documentation, packing options and commercial terms for your application.

For sensitive synthesis or polymer production, include your maximum permitted water, BHT and peroxide levels so that the correct grade can be evaluated.