Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
$330.47
About Tetrahyrdofuran
With the chemical formula (CH2)4O, tetrahydrofuran is a heterocyclic compound that is colourless, water-miscible and polar. Its polarity and wide liquid range make tetrahydrofuran (THF) an extremely versatile solvent.
THF converts into a linear polymer in the presence of strong acids. This polymer, known as poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol or PTMEG, is used in the manufacture of elastomeric polyutherane fibres like Spandex.
In this way, one of the most important applications of tetrahydrofuran, alongside its use as a solvent, is as a precursor to polymers.
How Is Tetrahydrofuran Made?
There are several methods for the synthesis of tetrahydrofuran, including:
- Catalytic hydrogenation of furan in the presence of a nickel catalyst
- Decarbonylation of furfural in the presence of a zinc-chromium-molybdenum catalyst to form furan, which is subsequently hydrogenated to tetrahydrofuran
- Dehydration of 1,4-butanediol in the presence of an acidic catalyst. A reaction between acetylene and formaldehyde generates 2-butyne-1,4-diol, which is subsequently hydrogenated to 1,4-butanediol. This saturated diol can be re-arranged into a ring to form tetrahydrofuran by acid catalysis at high temperature. This reaction can be done with a variety of catalysts including rare-earth oxides, aluminium silicates and inorganic acids. This is known as the Reppe process.
- Oxidation of butadiene at high pressure (3MPa) and temperature (80°C), and in the presence of a palladium-tellurium catalyst, produces 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene. This compound is then hydrogenated to 1,4-diacetoxybutane, and finally hydrolysed to tetrahydrofuran.
The final method relies on a two-step process starting with n-butane. The first step involves oxidation to produce maleic anhydride and subsequent hydrogenation over a rhenium-doped palladium catalyst to synthesise tetrahydrofuran.
100% Quality Guarantee
At ReAgent, we strive to offer all our customers a friendly service. Our products, are backed by a 100% quality guarantee so that you can relax and buy with confidence.
Place your order online today, or contact our technical sales team for more information. We’ll be happy to help you before, during and even after your purchase.
About Tetrahyrdofuran
With the chemical formula (CH2)4O, tetrahydrofuran is a heterocyclic compound that is colourless, water-miscible and polar. Its polarity and wide liquid range make tetrahydrofuran (THF) an extremely versatile solvent.
THF converts into a linear polymer in the presence of strong acids. This polymer, known as poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol or PTMEG, is used in the manufacture of elastomeric polyutherane fibres like Spandex.
In this way, one of the most important applications of tetrahydrofuran, alongside its use as a solvent, is as a precursor to polymers.
How Is Tetrahydrofuran Made?
There are several methods for the synthesis of tetrahydrofuran, including:
- Catalytic hydrogenation of furan in the presence of a nickel catalyst
- Decarbonylation of furfural in the presence of a zinc-chromium-molybdenum catalyst to form furan, which is subsequently hydrogenated to tetrahydrofuran
- Dehydration of 1,4-butanediol in the presence of an acidic catalyst. A reaction between acetylene and formaldehyde generates 2-butyne-1,4-diol, which is subsequently hydrogenated to 1,4-butanediol. This saturated diol can be re-arranged into a ring to form tetrahydrofuran by acid catalysis at high temperature. This reaction can be done with a variety of catalysts including rare-earth oxides, aluminium silicates and inorganic acids. This is known as the Reppe process.
- Oxidation of butadiene at high pressure (3MPa) and temperature (80°C), and in the presence of a palladium-tellurium catalyst, produces 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene. This compound is then hydrogenated to 1,4-diacetoxybutane, and finally hydrolysed to tetrahydrofuran.
The final method relies on a two-step process starting with n-butane. The first step involves oxidation to produce maleic anhydride and subsequent hydrogenation over a rhenium-doped palladium catalyst to synthesise tetrahydrofuran.
100% Quality Guarantee
At ReAgent, we strive to offer all our customers a friendly service. Our products, are backed by a 100% quality guarantee so that you can relax and buy with confidence.
Place your order online today, or contact our technical sales team for more information. We’ll be happy to help you before, during and even after your purchase.
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