Buy Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Liquid CAS 109-99-9 — Industrial & Lab Grade Solvent
Buy Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Liquid CAS 109-99-9 — Industrial & Lab Grade Solvent
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a highly versatile cyclic ether
solvent and one of the most important polar aprotic solvents
in industrial chemistry and laboratory science. Produced
commercially from 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) via acid-catalysed
dehydration, THF combines complete water miscibility with
exceptional solvency for a broad range of polymers, resins,
and organic compounds — a combination that makes it
irreplaceable across polymer processing, pharmaceutical
synthesis, analytical chemistry, and PVC fabrication.
THF occupies a unique position in the solvent landscape:
it is one of very few solvents that is both water-miscible
and capable of dissolving non-polar polymers including PVC,
polyurethanes, polystyrene, and specialty engineering
resins. This dual solvency characteristic makes it
invaluable in applications where conventional solvents
fail to bridge polar and non-polar chemistry requirements.
Chemical Properties & Technical Specifications
CAS Number: 109-99-9
Other Names: THF, Oxolane, Cyclotetramethylene Oxide,
Butylene Oxide, 1,4-Epoxybutane
Molecular Formula: C4H8O
Molar Mass: 72.11 g/mol
Physical Form: Liquid
Appearance: Colourless, clear, highly mobile liquid
Odour: Pleasant, characteristic ether-like odour
Density: 0.889 g/cm3 at 20 deg C
Boiling Point: 66 deg C (151 deg F)
Melting Point: -108 deg C (-162 deg F)
Flash Point: -14 deg C (7 deg F) — HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
Auto-ignition Temperature: 321 deg C (610 deg F)
Explosive Limits: 1.5% - 12.4% v/v in air
Vapour Pressure: 194 hPa at 20 deg C
Refractive Index: 1.405 - 1.407
Viscosity: 0.55 mPa.s at 20 deg C
Dielectric Constant: 7.6 at 22 deg C
Solubility: Fully miscible with water and most
organic solvents
Log Pow (octanol/water): 0.46
Purity: >=99.5% (industrial and laboratory grade)
Inhibitor: BHT added to prevent peroxide formation
Peroxide Content: <10 ppm (fresh supply)
Water Content: <0.05%
UN Number: UN 2056 — Highly Flammable Liquid Class 3
Packing Group: II
Critical Safety Note — Peroxide Formation
THF is classified as a peroxide-forming solvent. On
prolonged exposure to air, light, and oxygen, THF
spontaneously forms explosive organic peroxides that
accumulate in the liquid and concentrate in residues
on evaporation. This is one of the most serious
laboratory hazards associated with ether solvents.
Key peroxide safety rules:
- Always use THF supplied with a BHT inhibitor
- Check peroxide content before distillation or
concentration operations
- Never distill THF to dryness
- Test for peroxides every 3-6 months during storage
- Discard THF showing peroxide content >25 ppm
- Store in tightly sealed containers under inert
atmosphere where possible
- Never use THF from containers that have been
previously opened and stored long-term without
peroxide testingPrimary Industrial Applications
1. Polymer Dissolution and Processing
THF is the standard solvent for dissolving and processing
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyurethanes, polystyrene,
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and a wide range of
specialty engineering polymers. In polymer research and
quality control, THF is used to prepare polymer solutions
for gel permeation chromatography (GPC) molecular weight
analysis — the standard technique for characterising
polymer molecular weight distribution in the plastics
and polymer industry.
2. PVC Pipe and Fitting Fabrication
THF is a primary component in PVC solvent cement
formulations used for joining PVC pressure pipe and
fittings in plumbing, irrigation, and industrial piping
systems. The THF dissolves the PVC surfaces being joined,
allowing molecular-level fusion that creates a joint
stronger than the pipe wall itself. This application
represents a major volume end-use for THF in the
construction and infrastructure sectors.
3. Pharmaceutical Synthesis
THF is widely used as a reaction solvent in pharmaceutical
synthesis for reactions requiring a polar aprotic medium
with good solubility for both organic substrates and
inorganic reagents. Its relatively low boiling point
(66 deg C) makes it easy to remove by evaporation after
reaction, simplifying product isolation. It is also used
as an extraction solvent in pharmaceutical API isolation
and purification processes.
4. HPLC and Analytical Chemistry
THF is a standard modifier in reverse-phase HPLC mobile
phase systems, used to adjust selectivity and elution
strength in chromatographic method development. Its UV
cutoff of approximately 220 nm allows use with UV
detectors in most analytical wavelength ranges. It is
also used as a GPC/SEC solvent for polymer molecular
weight analysis.
5. Adhesive and Coating Formulation
THF is used as a solvent in specialty adhesive and
coating formulations where its fast evaporation rate
and excellent polymer solvency are advantageous.
Applications include contact adhesives, structural
adhesive systems, specialty protective coatings, and
laminating adhesives for flexible packaging.
6. Chemical Synthesis
THF is an important reaction solvent and chemical
intermediate in organic synthesis. It is used as the
reaction medium for Grignard reactions, metal hydride
reductions (LiAlH4, NaBH4), organolithium chemistry,
and a broad range of polar aprotic reaction systems
in pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing.Storage Requirements
Store in tightly sealed, UN-approved containers under
inert gas (nitrogen) blanket at 5-25 deg C away from
all ignition sources, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep
in a dedicated flammable solvent storage cabinet.
Maintain BHT inhibitor concentration — add fresh BHT
if inhibitor level has degraded. Test for peroxide
content every 3-6 months. Do not store in
previously opened containers for extended periods
without peroxide testing. UN 2056 transport
regulations apply to all shipments.
Order Information
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is available from UAB An Group
Export in the following configurations:
- Sample orders: 1L and 5L units — $160.00 per litre
- Bulk orders: 20L, 100L, and pallet quantities
- Custom volumes available on request for ongoing
supply contracts
Contact us at info@angroupexport.com or via WhatsApp
at +1 (350) 210-1380 to request a quote or discuss
your supply requirements.







