Tetrahydrofuran

Agent Name
Tetrahydrofuran
CAS Number
109-99-9
Formula
C4-H8-O
Major Category
Solvents
Tetrahydrofuran formula graphical representation
Synonyms
1,4-Epoxybutane; Agrisynth THF; Butane, 1,4-epoxy-; Butane, alpha,delta-oxide; Butylene oxide; Cyclotetramethylene oxide; Diethylene oxide; Furan, tetrahydro-; Furanidine; Hydrofuran; Oxacyclopentane; Oxolane; THF; Tetrahydrofuraan [Dutch]; Tetrahydrofuran; Tetrahydrofuranne [French]; Tetraidrofurano [Italian]; Tetramethylene oxide; [ChemIDplus] UN2056
Category
Ethers (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with an ether-like odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/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]
Comments
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]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
Tetrahydrofuran in urine = 2 mg/L; sample at end of shift;
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
50 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
100 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
200 ppm
MAK
20.34 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
2000 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: It has been reported that exposure to 25,000 ppm will cause anesthesia and 17,000 ppm appears to be safe for 3 hours [Hofmann and Oettel 1954].
Vapor Pressure
162 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.09 ppm
Odor Threshold High
61 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 21,000 ppm/3H
Explanatory Notes
IDLH = 10% LEL; Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 31 ppm); Flash point = -14 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
ERPG-1
100 ppm
ERPG-2
500 ppm
ERPG-3
5,000 ppm

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)
Nephrotoxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: