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Product Name: Tetrahydrofuran
Chemical Formula: C4H8O
Synonyms: THF, Oxolane, 1,4-Epoxybutane, Tetramethylene oxide
CAS Number: 109-99-9
Manufacturer: Contact details for source or distributor typically included on packaging or supplier paperwork
Recommended Use: Solvent for plastics, resins, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals; intermediate in chemical synthesis
Emergency Contact: Refer to local or national poison control center and fire department; see chemical supplier’s instructions for immediate response numbers
GHS Classification: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; causes serious eye irritation; may cause drowsiness or dizziness; suspected of causing cancer; may cause damage to organs by prolonged or repeated exposure
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable, forms explosive peroxides, irritating if inhaled or contacts skin or eyes, possible reproductive effects, central nervous system impacts
Pictogram: Flame, exclamation mark, health hazard symbols
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from open flames or sparks, avoid breathing vapors, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin and eyes, store in tightly closed container
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Target Organs: Central nervous system, respiratory system, eyes, skin, liver, kidneys
Chemical Name: Tetrahydrofuran
Purity: Usually above 99% for laboratory and industrial uses
Impurities: Water traces, peroxide formation possible on storage
Ingredient Reference Numbers: EC Number 203-726-8
Concentration Ranges: Generally sold pure or in solution with water or other organic solvents
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Keep person warm and at rest. Provide oxygen in case of breathing difficulty. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water while removing contaminated clothing. Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention for irritation, redness, or symptoms that persist.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Obtain medical aid.
Ingestion: Never induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water, give water to dilute if conscious, and seek immediate medical advice. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, eye redness, nausea, central nervous system depression possible with large exposures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet could spread the fire
Hazards Arising from Combustion: Emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burned
Special Firefighting Procedures: Evacuate area. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective equipment. Use water spray to cool containers exposed to fire.
Explosion Risks: Forms explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Containers may explode in heat of fire.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel from area. Ventilate enclosed spaces. Use full protective gear including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and respirators if vapor concentration is high.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, surface waters, or confined spaces.
Containment and Clean-up Methods: Absorb spills with inert material like sand or vermiculite. Place absorbed material in a closed, labeled container for disposal. Wash area with water to remove residues. Eliminate ignition sources. Avoid breathing vapors.
Handling Precautions: Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Work only in well-ventilated places. Ground and bond containers for transfer. Avoid breathing vapors, mist, or spray. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage Recommendations: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Keep tightly closed in original container. Store away from oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, and direct sunlight. Atmospheric oxygen can create hazardous peroxides during storage, so add stabilizers and test for peroxides regularly. Refrigeration slows peroxide formation.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 200 ppm TWA; ACGIH TLV 50 ppm TWA; check current local standards
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below limits. Explosion-proof ventilation systems where needed.
Personal Protective Equipment: Splash goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), flame-resistant lab coat, suitable respirator if exposure limits will be exceeded.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with THF. Change contaminated clothing and wash hands before breaks.
Other Protection: Emergency showers and eye washing facilities in work area
Appearance: Clear, colorless, volatile liquid
Odor: Sweet, ether-like
Odor Threshold: 2.6-66 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -108.4°C
Boiling Point: 66°C
Flash Point: -14°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: High
Flammability: Extremely flammable
Explosion Limits: 2.0% (lower), 11.8% (upper) by volume in air
Vapor Pressure: 173 mm Hg (20°C)
Vapor Density: 2.5 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.886 (water = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.46
Autoignition Temperature: 321°C
Decomposition Products: Peroxides with air, CO and CO2 when burned
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; forms explosive peroxides on exposure to air and light
Reactive Conditions: Heat, sparks, open flame, oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases
Incompatible Materials: Halogens, strong acids, strong oxidizers (sodium/potassium hydroxides, chromyl chloride, perchlorates), lithium aluminum hydride
Decomposition: Generates toxic gases including carbon monoxide. Forms peroxides on long-term exposure to air.
Hazardous Reactions: Peroxide formation can lead to severe explosion risk, especially during distillation or evaporation
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation of eyes, nose, respiratory tract, dizziness, headache, nausea
Chronic Effects: Long-term inhalation or skin exposure can impair cognitive function; evidence suggests possible carcinogenicity (IARC Group 2B; ACGIH A3 - Confirmed animal carcinogen)
LD50 Oral (rat): 1650 mg/kg
LD50 Dermal (rabbit): >2000 mg/kg
LC50 Inhalation (rat, 4h): 54000 mg/m³
Sensitization: No confirmed reports of allergic sensitization
Other Information: Central nervous system depression at high vapor concentrations. May affect kidney and liver in repeated exposures. No robust human reproductive data.
Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Moderately toxic to aquatic life (LC50 fish 2160 mg/L, 96 h; EC50 Daphnia 13299 mg/L, 48 h)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water (up to 90% within 28 days)
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to rapid breakdown in environment and low log Kow
Mobility in Soil: High – mobile in water systems, may leach into groundwater
Other Ecological Effects: High vapor pressure means it volatilizes easily, so spills can result in significant air emission
Additional Considerations: Large quantities could deplete oxygen in water, affecting aquatic life through indirect mechanisms
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and contain for proper chemical disposal as regulated hazardous waste. Incinerate with a proper afterburner and scrubber.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain product residue. Do not reuse. Dispose of as hazardous waste.
Regulatory Compliance: Check local, regional, national, and international regulations; follow all laws regarding treatment, transport, and disposal of hazardous solvents.
Other Advice: Do not pour down drain, sewer, or release to environment. Rinse containers thoroughly before disposal if allowed under laws
UN Number: 2056
Proper Shipping Name: Tetrahydrofuran
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Transport Labels: Flammable Liquid (red diamond)
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant, yet spills pose safety and environmental risks
Special Precautions: Use only approved containers and vehicles. Report accidental releases promptly.
Other Transport Data: Ground, air, sea—restrictions apply depending on mode and carrier regulations
US TSCA: Listed
OSHA: Recognized as hazardous chemical
EU REACH: Registered, subject to restrictions related to workplace safety
WHMIS (Canada): Class B, Division 2, Class D; hazardous to health
SARA 313: Not listed
California Prop 65: Listed as a chemical known to cause cancer
Other International: Consult regional authorities for environmental, occupational, and transportation requirements
Label Elements: Must include standardized hazard pictograms, warning statements, supplier details, and emergency contact information
