CAS 109-99-9 · Cyclic Ether Solvent
Tetrahydrofuran
THF / Oxolane · C₄H₈O · MW 72.11 g/mol
Tetrahydrofuran is a fully water-miscible, low-boiling cyclic ether solvent with exceptional solvency for polymers, resins, and a broad range of organic compounds. Its unique combination of polarity, miscibility with water and most organic solvents, and low boiling point makes it indispensable in pharmaceutical synthesis, polymer processing, PVC cement, and HPLC applications. Texas-Chem supplies THF in industrial, ACS, HPLC, and anhydrous grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
C₄H₈O
Boiling Point
66 °C (151 °F)
Solubility
Miscible with water
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Five-membered saturated ring with one oxygen atom and four methylene (CH₂) groups
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 1 — Slight hazard
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 200 ppm
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 50 ppm
- IDLH
- 2,000 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 2056
- Packing Group
- II
SDS available upon request. THF is highly flammable — store away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Can form explosive peroxides on prolonged storage; test for peroxides before use.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 109-99-9 |
| Boiling Point | 66 °C (151 °F) |
| Melting Point | −108.4 °C (−163.1 °F) |
| Flash Point | −14 °C (7 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.889 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 19.3 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| Refractive Index | 1.4050 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 321 °C (610 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 2% – 11.8% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Polymer & Resin Processing
Primary solvent for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and specialty polymer systems. THF dissolves a wide range of resins and polymers that are resistant to other common solvents, making it essential in coatings, adhesives, and film casting operations.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
ACS and anhydrous-grade THF is widely used as a reaction solvent and extraction medium for APIs, natural product synthesis, and Grignard reactions. Its miscibility with water and most organic solvents makes it a versatile choice for multi-step synthesis.
PVC Pipe Cement & Adhesives
Key solvent in PVC solvent cement formulations for joining pipe, fittings, and conduit. THF dissolves the PVC surface to create a fused, pressure-rated joint. Also used in contact cements and specialty structural adhesives.
Chromatography & Analysis
HPLC-grade THF is a standard mobile phase modifier and sample solvent in reversed-phase and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC). Used for molecular weight determination of polymers and separation of non-polar analytes.
Chemical Synthesis
Versatile aprotic solvent for organolithium, Grignard, and metal hydride reactions. Anhydrous THF is the solvent of choice for moisture-sensitive reactions in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical synthesis.
Printing Inks & Coatings
Solvent carrier in gravure and flexographic printing inks, specialty coatings, and magnetic tape binder systems. Provides fast evaporation, good film formation, and compatibility with nitrocellulose and polyurethane binders.
Why Source THF from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying specialty solvents to Texas manufacturers and processors
- Industrial, ACS reagent, HPLC, and anhydrous grades available
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker delivery
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities