Tetrahydrofuran

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

Tetrahydrofuran in urine = 2 mg/L; sample at end of shift;

Yes

50 ppm

100 ppm

200 ppm

20.34 ppm

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].

162 mm Hg

0.09 ppm

Odor Threshold High

61 ppm

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;

may ignite at ambient temp

100 ppm

500 ppm

5,000 ppm

Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin (principal effect)

Yes

Possible (2b)

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Hepatitis, chemical
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing
• Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing)
• Working with Glues and Adhesives