Tetrahydrofuran

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

Use alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention .

Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

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.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is extremely flammable (NFPA rating = 3), and its vapor can travel a considerable distance to an ignition source and "flash back." A 5% solution of THF in water is flammable.

Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Tetrahydrofuran in urine = 2 mg/L; sample at end of shift;

20.34 [ppm]

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.

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.

Closed containers may rupture violently when heated.

Wear full protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Teflon barrier recommended.

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.

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.

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.

Distillation or alkali treatment of stabilized tetrahyrofuran removes the involatile anti-oxidant, and the solvent must be restabilized or stored under nitrogen to prevent formation during storage, which should not exceed a few days duration in the absence of stabilizer.

THF can be stored in the usual steel containers.

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. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection or your regional office of the federal EPA for specific recommendations.

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.

Absorb with paper. Evaporate completely all spilled surface. Dispose by burning the paper after complete ventilation of vapor.

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.

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.

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.

/In laboratories/ excess tetrahydrofuran and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for Tetrahydrofuran (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Developmental

Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water flea, age < or = 24 hr); Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C, pH 7.6-7.7; Concentration: >10,000,000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulated product/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna Straus (water flea); Concentration: 5930 mg/L for 24 hr; Conditions: DIN 38412 Section 11

LC50; Species: Moina macrocopa (water flea); Concentration: 9800 mg/L for 3 hr /Conditions of bioassay not given/

LC50; Species: Carassius auratus (goldfish); Concentration: 2400 mg/L for 48 hr; Conditions: static

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for Tetrahydrofuran (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 18 and 23(2), indicate that tetrahydrofuran is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrahydrofuran from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 7.05X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(3). Tetrahydrofuran is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 162 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Tetrahydrofuran, added to the surface of 2 different soil samples which had been sterilized to prevent microbial degradation, had a disappearance half-life of 5.7 days(5). A 100% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC); however, the EEC manometric respirometric method, tested in 22 different laboratories, gave a mean of 34% of the theoretical BOD within 28 days(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of 18 and 23(2), indicate that tetrahydrofuran is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 7.05X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 13 hours and 6.6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 0.46(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). In the modified MITI screening test, tetrahydrofuran at 100 mg/L was completely biodegraded in 14 days using an activated sludge inoculum(8); however, the EEC manometric respirometric method, tested in 22 different laboratories, gave a mean of 34% of the theoretical BOD within 28 days(9).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tetrahydrofuran, which has a vapor pressure of 162 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetrahydrofuran is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is 21 to 24 hours(3), calculated from its measured rate constants of 1.62X10-11 to 1.8X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec(4). Butyrolactone and alpha-hydroxytetrahydrofuran were formed as products during the photooxidation of tetrahydrofuran(5). Tetrahydrofuran will also react with nitrate radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is 3 days(SRC), calculated from its measured rate constant of 4.88X10-15 cu cm/molecule-sec(6). Tetrahydrofuran is moderately reactive in photochemical smog conditions where nitrogen oxides are present; reactions occur in time scales of hours(7-9).

Tetrahydrofuran has been identified in coffee aroma.

Constituent of roasted coffee

Tetrahydrofuran was detected as a volatile compound, isolated from floured chickpea seed(1). This compound was identified in the volatile component of cooked chicken(2).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, by ingestion and through the skin.

inhalation, skin and/or eye contact, ingestion

HUMAN TOXICITY: Data pertaining to the toxicity of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in humans is quite limited. The probable oral lethal dose in humans is 50-500 mg/kg. Severe occipital headaches were reported in the testing for pharmacological properties of THF & among technicians performing animal experiments. Toxicity (TCLo) is expected following exposure to a 2.5% concn of THF. ANIMAL TOXICITY: Animal studies indicate that THF is only "MODERATELY TOXIC" from acute exposure with the lowest reported LD50's of 1900-2900 mg/kg by oral route. Median lethal concns by inhalation varied with the duration of exposure but were >20,000 ppm with all species for exposures of 1 hr or less. Reports of animal studies document irritation of the skin & mucous membranes, including the eyes, nose, & upper respiratory tract, as the predominant effect from lower exposures (about 100-200 ppm). High acute doses (about 25,000 ppm) produced anesthesia with delayed induction & recovery periods, accompanied by a fall in blood pressure & strong respiratory stimulation. The margin of safety between anesthesia & death is small. Other effects recorded are those of damage to liver, kidneys, & lung after prolonged exposures to levels of THF >1000 ppm. Toxic manifestations varied somewhat with the route of exposure with irritation of upper respiratory tract observed with inhaled THF & inflammation of the GI tract following oral ingestion. The only report on carcinogenicity is that of a test for skin tumors in which THF was applied to the skin of mice twice/wk for 25 exposures with an observation period of 17.5 months. No carcinogenic effect was observed. THF was negative when tested for mutagenicity using the Ames test; however, it would appear to enhance the mutagenicity of certain tryptophan-pyrolysate substances. No information is presented on metabolism, absorption, & distribution. The only report on excretion is the finding of THF in mother's milk.

Cough. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.

Dry skin. Redness. Pain.

Redness. Pain.

See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, upper respiratory system; nausea, dizziness, headache, central nervous system depression

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=109-99-9]

Thirty samples taken between 1973-1976 ranged from 0 ug/L (Olin Corp, Brandenbury, KY, Ohio River/Wabash River) to 450,000 ug/L (General Electric, Mt Vernon, IN, Ohio River). Other notably high concentration were 1000 ug/L (M/T Chem, Carrloton, KY, Ohio River), 850 ug/L (Olin Corp, IN, Ohio River/ Wabash River), and 318 ug/L (Ashtabula, OH).

Leachate from the Rochester Municipal Landfill contained tetrahydrofuran at 0.43 mg/L(1). Effluent samples taken from a plant that finished polyester fabrics contained tetrahydrofuran at unreported concentrations(2). Tetrahydrofuran was reported in the vehicle exhaust gases from a gasoline engine at unreported concentrations(3). Effluent from a sewage treatment plant in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, receiving waste from several pharmaceutical industries contained tetrahydrofuran at unreported concentrations(4). Ambient air samples from 2 of 5 hazardous waste sites in New Jersey contained tetrahydrofuran at unreported concentrations(5).

Tetrahydrofuran was detected in 20 of 1043 common household products at unreported concentrations(1). Tetrahydrofuran was identified but not quantified as a volatile organic compound released from textile floor coverings(2). Tetrahydrofuran was identified as a major constituent of polyvinyl chloride primer and adhesive and was found to be leached into the water surrounding bonded joints at concentrations ranging from 215-63,000 ug/L (concentrations given for the first wash for 7 different products)(3); 6 and 8 months following polyvinyl chloride pipe installation tetrahydrofuran concentrations in the surrounding water were 13 and 7.5 ppm, respectively(4). Volatile organic compounds measured from a sludge landfill simulator contained tetrahydrofuran at unreported concentrations(5). The concentration of tetrahydrofuran in landfill leachate ranges from 18 to 1,400 ug/L(6). Groundwater sampled under two waste disposal sites in Minnesota contained tetrahydrofuran at concentrations from 24-3900 ug/L(7). Leachates from 3 of 5 landfill sites in Connecticut contained tetrahydrofuran; Cheshire site at 60 ug/L, Norwich site at 20 ug/L, Danbury site at 330 ug/L(8).

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).

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.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Tetrahydrofuran is included on this list. Effective date 3/11/94; Sunset date: 6/30/98.

A testing consent order is in effect for tetrahydrofuran for health effects testing. FR citation: 1/23/95.

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).

(MA) MASSACHUSETTS 600 ug/L

(NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE 150 ug/L

(WI) WISCONSIN 50 ug/L

(ME) MAINE 70 ug/L

(FL) FLORIDA 4.6 ug/L

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]

Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]

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.

Solvent for fat oils, unvulcanized rubber; for making adipic acid

Solvent in preparation of printing inks, adhesives, lacquers, & other coatings; Grignard reagent in synthesis of motor fuels, vitamins, hormones, pharmaceuticals, synthetic perfumes, organometallic cmpds, & insecticides.

Solvent for natural and synthetic resins, particularly vinyls, in topcoating solutions, polymer coating, cellophane, protective coatings, adhesives, magnetic tapes, printing inks, etc., Grignard reactions, lithium aluminum hydride reductions, and polymerizations; chemical intermediate and monomer.

(1978) 4.99X10+9 G

(1983) 6.73X10+9 G

(1985) 1.71X10+8 g

(1987) 9.50X10+6 lb

(1988) 1.01X10+7 lb

(1974) 4.2X10+5 lb/yr

(1975) 8.2X10+4 lb/yr

(1985) 1.24X10+8 g

(1986) 8.12X10+4 lb

2023: 100,000,000 - <250,000,000 lb

(1977) AT LEAST 2.72X10+10 G

(1982) 4.85X10+10 G

(1985) 5.46X10+10 g

(1987) 1.42X10+8 lb

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Tetrahydrofuran (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Resin solvent 40%, Chemical Int 40%, Grignard reaction solvent 20%.

SOLVENT FOR RESINS, 40%; CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE, 40%; REACTION SOLVENT, 20% (1977)

Polytetrahydrofuran, 68%; coating solvent, 23%; other (reaction solvent, thiophane), 9% (1983)

Manufactured by catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride.

(1) Catalytic hydrogenation of furan with nickel catalyst. (2) Acid-catalyzed dehydration of 1,4-butanediol.

Decarboxylation of furfural with zinc-chromium-molybdenum catalyst with hydroxylation to THF.

The Reppe process involves a reaction between acetylene and formaldehyde to give 2-butyne-1,4-diol, with subsequent hydrogenation to 1,4-butanediol ... The saturated diol is very readily cyclized to THF with elimination of water by acid catalysis above 100 °C. Suitable catalysts include inorganic acids, acidic aluminum silicates, and earth or rare-earth oxides.

For more Methods of Manufacturing (Complete) data for Tetrahydrofuran (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Grades: technical, spectrophotometric.

Liquid, industrial, 99.5% grades

99.9%, HPLC, spectrophotometric, anhydrous, UV, nonspectro reagent grades

Cosmetics product ingredient: Tetrahydrofuran

Information on 74 consumer products that contain Tetrahydrofuran in the following categories is provided:

Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

Furan, tetrahydro-: ACTIVE

0.025% Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) present to prevent peroxide formation.

Commercial material is supplied stabilized with a phenolic antioxidant which is effective under normal closed storage conditions in preventing the formation and accumulation of peroxide. ... Copper chloride /is used/ for removal of trace amt of peroxides. ... The use of lithium tetrahydroaluminum is only recommended for drying tetrahydrofuran which is peroxide-free and is not grossly wet. ... Peroxides in THF may be destroyed by passing through activated carbon at 20-66 °C with contact time > 2 min.