[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of tetrahydrofuran, what is tetrahydrofuran used?

Tetrahydrofuran properties

Tetrahydrofuran (Tetrahydrofuran, referred to as THF) is a colorless, transparent, low viscosity organic compounds, chemical formula C4H8O. It has a highly volatile and ether-like odor. The molecular structure of THF is a five-membered ring containing one oxygen atom, which makes it polar and able to dissolve polar and non-polar substances well. It has a boiling point of 66°C, a density of about 0.889g/cm³, and a flash point of about -14°C, which makes it easy to burn and can form explosive mixtures in air.

Tetrahydrofuran use

THF is an important solvent, which is widely used in chemical industry and pharmaceutical industry. It has good solubility and is often used to dissolve polymers, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. In the pharmaceutical industry, THF is used to synthesize antibiotics, vitamins and other drugs. THF is also an important raw material for the production of polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF) and tetrahydrofuran glycols, which can be further used in the manufacture of elastic fibers, elastomers and polyesters. THF is used in the electronics industry to clean circuit boards and electronic components.

Tetrahydrofuran upstream and downstream raw materials

THF is usually produced by two main methods: one is from the dehydration cyclization of 1,4-butanediol, and the other is the synthesis of n-butene via ethylene glycol. The former is the most commonly used industrial production method, its reaction process is simple and efficient, and it can produce high purity THF on a large scale. The main upstream raw materials for the production of tetrahydrofuran include 1,4-butanediol, n-butene and ethylene glycol, while its downstream products are mainly polytetrahydrofuran and tetrahydrofuran glycol, which are widely used in polymer materials and chemical synthesis.

Tetrahydrofuran production process

The 1,4-butanediol method is currently the mainstream tetrahydrofuran production process. The process includes the following main steps: 1,4-butanediol is dehydrated to produce THF under the action of a catalyst, and the reaction is carried out at high temperature (about 200-250°C) and low pressure (about 1-2 atm). The produced THF is purified by distillation to remove unreacted raw materials and by-products, and finally high-purity tetrahydrofuran is obtained. This method has high yield and economic benefits, and is widely used in industrial production.

TETRAHYDROFURAN STORAGE METHOD

Because tetrahydrofuran is flammable and explosive, special attention should be paid to safety during storage. THF should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry place, away from fire and heat sources, and avoid direct sunlight. Special sealed steel drums or aluminum containers should be used for storage containers. Ensure that the containers are intact and regularly checked for leaks and damage. In order to prevent the formation of peroxide by oxidation, an antioxidant (such as BHT) should be added when storing THF. The storage area should be equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, etc., so that they can be quickly dealt with in the event of a fire.

Tetrahydrofuran safety and environmental impact

Although tetrahydrofuran is widely used in industry, it has certain toxicity and danger. Inhalation of high concentrations of THF vapor may cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness, and long-term exposure may cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, when using and handling THF, wear appropriate protective equipment, such as protective glasses, protective gloves and protective clothing. Tetrahydrofuran has a polluting effect on water bodies. In case of leakage, measures should be taken immediately to prevent it from entering sewers and water bodies. Waste THF should be specially treated to avoid secondary pollution to the environment.

Market Prospects and Trends

The market demand for tetrahydrofuran has grown steadily in recent years, mainly due to its wide application in pharmaceutical, chemical and electronic fields. With the continuous development of high-performance materials and new drugs, the demand for high-purity THF will continue to increase. The promotion of green chemical industry and environmental protection regulations has promoted the production process to be more environmentally friendly and efficient. For example, research on bio-based THF is ongoing, and the production of THF from renewable resources such as glucose is expected to achieve a more sustainable production model. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the expansion of application fields, the tetrahydrofuran market will maintain a good momentum of development.

Conclusion

Tetrahydrofuran, as an important organic solvent, has unique chemical properties and a wide range of applications. Its production process is mature, upstream and downstream raw materials are sufficient, and the market prospect is broad. The flammable and explosive characteristics and potential toxicity of THF make it necessary to strictly follow safety regulations during use and storage. With the progress of science and technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the future production and application of THF will pay more attention to green and sustainable development, and further enhance its importance in various industries.