Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a saturated cyclic ether mainly used as an organic solvent. On long term storage it forms organic peroxides. This process can be suppressed by adding butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a stabilizer. BHT removes the free radicals required for the peroxide formation. It constitutes the key fragment of various natural products (polyether antibiotics). THF forms double hydrate with hydrogen sulfide, crystal structure of this double hydrate has been investigated by three-dimensional single-crystal studies.
Synonyms: THF; Butylene oxide; Oxolane; Tetramethylene oxide
Molecular Formula: C4H8O
Molecular Weight: 72.11
Linear Structural Formula: C4H8O
MDL Number: MFCD00005356
Purity: >=99.9%
Melting Point: -108 C (lit.)
Density: 0.889 g/mL at 25 C (lit.)
Refractive Index: n20/D 1.407 (lit.)
Application: Dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) has been used in the synthesis of dichloro{bis[1,1′,1′′-(phosphinetriyl)tripiperidine]}palladium [(P(NC5H10)3)2Pd(Cl)2], which is widely used in the Heck reaction as a catalyst. It has been employed in the reaction medium of the Heck cross-coupling reaction of various aryl bromides and olefins.
Other Notes: Greener alternatives are available for many THF applications, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (414247) and Cyclopentyl methyl ether (675970)
Assay: ≥99.9%
Autoignition Temp.: 610°F
BP: 65-67°C(lit.)
Contains: 250 ppm BHT as inhibitor
Density: 0.889 g/mL at 25°C(lit.)
Expl. Lim.: 11.8 %
Grade: anhydrous
Impurities: ≤0.005% peroxides (as H2O2)
MP: −108°C(lit.)
Refractive Index: n20/D 1.407(lit.)
Vapor Density: 2.5 (vs air)
Vapor Pressure: 114 mmHg ( 15°C)