Ketones & Aldehydes
Furfural
CAS 98-01-1 — Bio-Based Aldehyde for Resins & Lubricant Refining
Furfural is a bio-based aldehyde derived from agricultural lignocellulose, used in furan resin production, lubricant base oil refining, and as a chemical intermediate. Texas-Chem supplies industrial-grade furfural in bulk drums and totes.
CAS Number
98-01-1
Boiling Point
161.7 °C
Flash Point
60 °C — Combustible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes
Structure
C₅H₄O₂ — Furfural (2-Furaldehyde) — CAS 98-01-1
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- Flash Point
- 60 °C (140 °F) — Combustible
- OSHA PEL
- 5 ppm TWA (skin notation)
- DOT Hazard Class
- 6.1 — Toxic Liquid — UN 1199
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Also Known As
Physical & Chemical Properties
| CAS Number | 98-01-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 96.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear to amber liquid |
| Boiling Point | 161.7 °C (323 °F) |
| Flash Point | 60 °C (140 °F) — Combustible |
| Density | 1.159 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 2.0 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Water Solubility | 8.3 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Odor | Caramel/bread-like, characteristic |
| Source | Bio-based — from agricultural lignocellulose |
| Purity | 98% minimum |
Industrial Applications
Furfuryl Alcohol & Furan Resins
Furfural is hydrogenated to furfuryl alcohol, the monomer for furan resins used in foundry sand binders, corrosion-resistant linings, and composite materials. Furan resins are used in foundry cores and molds for metal casting.
Lubricant Base Oil Refining
Furfural is used as a selective solvent in the refining of lubricant base oils, extracting aromatic and unsaturated compounds to improve viscosity index and oxidation stability of the base oil.
Pharmaceutical & Agricultural Intermediates
Used as a starting material for the synthesis of furfurylamine, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and other intermediates used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Nylon Precursors
Furfural can be converted to adipic acid and other nylon precursors through catalytic processes, providing a bio-based route to nylon production from renewable agricultural feedstocks.
Solvent Applications
Furfural is used as a selective solvent for extracting butadiene from C4 streams in petrochemical processing, and as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and certain resins.
Flavor & Fragrance
Furfural is used in small quantities as a flavoring agent, contributing caramel, bread, and almond notes to food and beverage products.
Why Source Furfural from Texas-Chem
- Industrial-grade furfural in stock — drums and totes
- Consistent quality with CoA on every lot
- Same-week delivery across Texas; nationwide LTL
- Technical support for foundry, lubricant refining, and synthesis applications
- One rep from first call to final delivery
Furfural — Frequently Asked Questions
What is furfural used for in foundry applications?▾
Furfural is hydrogenated to furfuryl alcohol, which is polymerized to form furan resins used as binders for foundry sand cores and molds. Furan resin binders provide excellent dimensional accuracy, good collapsibility after casting, and low gas evolution during metal pouring. They are widely used in iron, steel, and non-ferrous metal casting.
How is furfural used in lubricant refining?▾
Furfural is used as a selective solvent in the furfural extraction process for lubricant base oil refining. The crude base oil is contacted with furfural, which selectively dissolves aromatic and unsaturated compounds (which reduce viscosity index and oxidation stability). The raffinate (purified base oil) is separated from the furfural extract, and the furfural is recovered by distillation for reuse.
What is the source of furfural?▾
Furfural is produced from agricultural lignocellulosic biomass — primarily oat hulls, corn cobs, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat bran. The pentosan (hemicellulose) fraction is hydrolyzed with dilute acid to form xylose, which is then dehydrated to furfural. Furfural is one of the most important bio-based platform chemicals derived from renewable agricultural feedstocks.
What are the storage requirements for furfural?▾
Furfural is a combustible liquid (flash point 60 °C) and a toxic substance (OSHA PEL 5 ppm, skin notation). Store in a cool, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers. Furfural darkens on exposure to air and light — store in amber or opaque containers. Avoid contact with strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Shelf life is 2 years in sealed original containers.