Tetrahydrofuran

1Identification

Name

Tetrahydrofuran

IUPAC name

oxolane

CAS number

109-99-9

EC number

203-726-8

Molecular formula

C4H8O

Molecular weight

72.11 g/mol

InChIKey

WYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1CCOC1

PubChem CID

8028

Synonyms

Oxolane, Furanidine, Furan, tetrahydro-, Tetramethylene oxide, Hydrofuran, Oxacyclopentane, 1,4-Epoxybutane, Tetrahydrofuranne, Tetraidrofurano, Tetrahydrofuraan, Cyclotetramethylene oxide, Agrisynth THF, Butane, 1,4-epoxy-, Butane, alpha,delta-oxide

Recommended uses

• Used as a solvent for polymers and resins, a wetting agent for textiles, and a chemical intermediate; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in inks, adhesives, and lacquers; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other] Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Solvent for high polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride. As reaction medium for Grignard and metal hydride reactions. In the synthesis of butyrolactone, succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol diacetate. Solvent in histological techniques.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Anti-adhesive/cohesive Solvent Other Tanning agents not otherwise specified Monomers Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuel agents Fuel Fragrance Catalyst Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate Laboratory chemicals
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other Anti-adhesive/cohesive Solvent Laboratory chemicals Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Tetrahydrofuran can cause cancer according to California Labor Code and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Tetrahydrofuran appears as a clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 6 °F. Vapors are heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Oxolane is a cyclic ether that is butane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by an oxygen. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent. It is a volatile organic compound, a member of oxolanes, a saturated organic heteromonocyclic parent and a cyclic ether.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Vapors cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and anesthesia. Liquid can de-fat the skin and cause irritation. Liquid also irritates eyes. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapor is generated when heated. Behavior in Fire: May explode. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Anesthesia produced in animal inhalation studies; Toxic hepatitis has been reported in exposed workers. TLV Basis is irritation, CNS impairment, and kidney damage. [ACGIH] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a very hazardous substance due primarily to its flammable and explosive properties. Toxicity is also of concern and must be considered in the safe handling and storage of THF. Irritation from dermal contact with THF warrants the wearing of gloves and safety glasses for protection during the routine handling of this substance. Toxic, as well as flammable, concentrations of THF in air can be avoided by compliance with the TLV of 200 ppm. When this TLV is exceeded, respiratory protection is needed. Protection above the TLV of 50 ppm up to 500 ppm can be provided by a respirator mask using an approved organic vapor cartridge.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin. Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• When heated, an irritating vapor is generated.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking liquid in sealable air tight containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Shut off all possible sources of ignition. Instruct others to maintain a safe distance. Wear breathing apparatus, eye protection, laboratory coat, and butyl rubber gloves. Cover with a 1:1:1 mixture by weight of sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate, clay cat litter (bentonite), and sand. Transfer to a large dish and let evaporate in fume hood. Ventilate area well to evaporate remaining liquid and dispel vapor. Treat solid residue as normal refuse.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Absorb with paper. Evaporate completely all spilled surface. Dispose by burning the paper after complete ventilation of vapor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Well closed. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Store away from heat, oxidizing materials, and sunlight. Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Purified tetrahydrofuran should not be stored for more than a few months after its container has been opened if it contains no oxidation inhibitor. In this case, it is potentially explosive because of peroxide formation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Tetrahydrofuran: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face-shields (eight-inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent any possibility of skin contact with tetrahydrofuran. Employees should be provided with and required to use splash-proof goggles where there is any possibility of liquid tetrahydrofuran contacting the eyes.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots, and goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Breakthrough times less (usually significantly less) than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for natural rubber (Nat. rub), neoprene (Neop), neoprene/natural rubber (neop/nat rub), nitrile rubber (nitrile), polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). No data for butyl rubber (butyl), nitrile rubber/polyvinyl chloride (nitrile/PVC), polyurethane (PU) and viton.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 2000 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• TETRAHYDROFURAN reacts violently with oxidizing agents leading to fires and explosions [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 891]. Subject to peroxidation in the air. Peroxides or their products react exothermically with lithium aluminum hydride [MCA Guide for Safety 1973]. Thus, use as a solvent for lithium aluminum hydride has led to fires. Using potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to dry impure tetrahydrofuran that contains peroxides has resulted in explosions. A violent explosion occurred during the preparation of sodium aluminum hydride from sodium and aluminum in a medium of tetrahydrofuran [Chem. Eng. News 39(40):57. 1961].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts with lithium tetrahydroaluminate or borane to form explosive hydrogen gas. Violent reaction with metal halides (e.g., hafnium tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride, zirconium tetrachloride). Vigorous reaction with bromine, calcium hydride + heat. Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• An attempt to remove peroxides /from tetrahydrofuran/ by shaking with solid ferrous sulfate before distillation did not prevent explosion of the distillation residue. Alkali treatment to destroy peroxides appears not to be safe.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tetrahydrofuran had been dried over the aluminate and then stored over calcium hydride for 2 yr to prevent peroxide formation. Subsequent addition of more aluminate caused a strong exotherm and ignition of liberated hydrogen.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Tetrahydrofuran will auto-oxidize in the presence of light & O2 to form resinous products that color water from pink to brown at conc above 100-250 mg/l.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Developmental Hepatic Nervous
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance and the vapour are irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high levels. This may result in narcosis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the liver and kidneys. This may result in impaired functions. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U213, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A good candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperture range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. Also, a good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. Also, a good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tetrahydrofuran is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration. In controlled waste containing peroxides, perforation of a container of the waste form a safe distance is followed by open burning.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2056

Shipping name

• UN 2056; Tetrahydrofuran[United Nations; Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Model Regulations. Vol. I, 16th Revised Edition (2009). Available from, as of November 22, 2010: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/unrec/rev16/16files_e.html]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hazard Class or Division: 3.0; Tetrahydrofuran[United Nations; Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Model Regulations. Vol. I, 16th Revised Edition (2009). Available from, as of November 22, 2010: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/unrec/rev16/16files_e.html]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Tetrahydrofuran
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2056
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2056 127
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date 3/11/94; Reporting date: 5/10/95.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U213; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when tetrahydrofuran, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tetrahydrofuran is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8028 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.