Tetrahydrofuran
Synonyms & Trade Names
Diethylene oxide, 1,4-Epoxybutane, Tetramethylene oxide, THFExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 250 ppm (735 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with an ether-like odor.Molecular Weight
72.1Boiling Point
151°FFreezing Point
-163°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
132 mmHgIonization Potential
9.45 eVSpecific Gravity
0.89Flash Point
6°FUpper Exposive Limit
11.8%Lower Explosive Limit
2%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, lithium-aluminum alloys [Note: Peroxides may accumulate upon prolonged storage in presence of air.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact, ingestionSymptoms
irritation eyes, upper respiratory system; nausea, dizziness, headache, central nervous system depressionTarget Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 2000 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division