Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol

1Identification

Name

Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol

IUPAC name

oxolan-2-ylmethanol

CAS number

97-99-4 (also reported: 93842-55-8)

EC number

202-625-6

Molecular formula

C5H10O2

Molecular weight

102.13 g/mol

InChIKey

BSYVTEYKTMYBMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C1CC(OC1)CO

PubChem CID

7360

Synonyms

TETRAHYDROFURFURYL ALCOHOL, Tetrahydro-2-furanmethanol, THFA, Tetrahydro-2-furanylmethanol, 2-Furanmethanol, tetrahydro-, QO Thfa, Furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydro-, Tetrahydro-2-furancarbinol, Tetrahydrofuryl carbinol, 2-(Hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran, Tetrahydro-2-furfuryl alcohol, Tetrahydrofurylalkohol, Tetrahydro-2-furylmethanol, Tetrahydrofurfurylalkohol

Recommended uses

• Used as a solvent (fats, waxes, and resins) and in organic synthesis; [Merck Index] Used as a cleaner, paint stripper, and solvent (replacement for chlorinated solvents); Also used in crop sprays, water-based paints, and to make pharmaceuticals and elastomers; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean] Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Solvent for fats, waxes, resins; in organic synthesis
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Solvent Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Vapors are heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol is a primary alcohol that is methanol in which one of the hydrogens of the methyl group has been replaced by a tetrahydrofuran-2-yl group. It has a role as a protic solvent. It is a primary alcohol and a member of oxolanes.
  ChEBI
• RN given refers to parent cpd; structure
  Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS08

Classification source

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

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

5 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)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: CAUTION: Petroleum crude oil (UN1267) may contain TOXIC hydrogen sulphide gas. 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. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. 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. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Above 74 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC] After exposure for 4 hours to 4700 ppm, narcosis but no deaths among 4 rats were observed. [AIHA] An irritant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include convulsions and general anesthesia; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

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

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Wash skin with soap and water. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Sore throat. Cough. Headache. Nausea. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• 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 chemial or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: 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

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants. Dry. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• FURFURAL & ITS DERIVATIVES SHOULD BE STORED IN WELL-VENTILATED AREAS, SHELTERED FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT & AWAY FROM HEAT & OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION. /FURFURAL & IT DERIVATIVES/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• PERSONS REQUIRED TO HANDLE FURFURAL & ITS DERIVATIVES SHOULD WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO AVOID SKIN CONTACT, INCLUDING EYE & FACE PROTECTION & HAND PROTECTION. WHERE BRIEF EXPOSURE TO HIGH ATMOSPHERIC CONCN IS POSSIBLE, WORKERS SHOULD WEAR RESP PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. /FURFURAL & DERIVATIVES/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid [Chem. Eng. News 45(43):73. 1967; J, Org. Chem. 28:1893. 1963]. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Denser than water and soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Violent or explosive reaction with 3-nitro-N-bromophthalimide. ... Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high concentrations. This may result in lowering of consciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol's production and use as a specialty organic solvent, as a cleaner and paint stripper, and in the dyeing and finishing of textiles and leathers may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.80 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 13.4 hrs.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1993

DOT label

• Combustible Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solvent or cosolvent in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7360 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.