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Chemical Name: 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran
Common Uses: Industrial solvent, research laboratories, chemical synthesis
Molecular Formula: C5H10O
Physical Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid, often with an ether-like odor
Odor: Slightly sweet, similar to diethyl ether
Flammability: High. Vapors catch fire easily and can cause explosive mixtures with air.
Acute Health Hazards: Inhalation may irritate respiratory tract, high concentrations can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Skin contact can lead to mild irritation; prolonged exposure increases risk.
Eye Contact: Vapors or splashes sting and may cause redness, tearing, or blurred vision.
Chronic Hazards: Repeated exposure dries out skin and may harm central nervous system.
Environmental Hazards: Large spills threaten aquatic life, evaporates quickly but can contaminate water sources.
Main Ingredient: 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran
Chemical Structure: Five-membered ring with one oxygen atom and a methyl group attached
Purity: Most formulations contain 97% or higher
Potential Impurities: Traces of tetrahydrofuran and water in some batches
Inhalation Response: Move affected person to fresh air; monitor for breathing difficulties; seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact Response: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse affected skin with water for at least fifteen minutes.
Eye Contact Response: Rinse eyes with water, lifting eyelids often; do not rub; consult a doctor if irritation continues.
Ingestion Response: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, encourage drinking water, and seek immediate medical attention.
Special Cases: Direct oxygen for breathing difficulty and monitor for delayed effects in case of high vapor exposures.
Sensitivity: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; strong risk of flashback from ignition sources.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder recommended over water.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various organic compounds on burning.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Special Risks: Vapor can spread along ground; empty containers pose explosion risk.
Personal Protection: Use gloves, splash-resistant goggles, protective clothing, and keep area ventilated.
Spill Containment: Dike area around spill; absorb liquid using sand or non-combustible material.
Cleanup Methods: Collect and seal in metal containers for disposal.
Environmental Protection: Block drains, prevent runoff into water systems, alert authorities if large quantities escape.
Handling of Vapors: Use explosion-proof tools and ventilate area; static discharge can ignite mist.
General Handling: Avoid open flames, sparks, or static electricity. Only handle in well-ventilated spaces.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed metal containers, away from direct sunlight and incompatible chemicals.
Safety Practices: Ground containers when transferring liquid, maintain dry conditions to suppress peroxide formation.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, and some metals trigger rapid or hazardous reactions.
Occupational Exposure Limit: Consult local regulations for specific values; lower exposure is safer due to vapor risks.
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or explosion-proof local exhaust.
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves made from nitrile or neoprene, safety goggles or face shields, flame-retardant lab coats.
Respiratory Protection: Respirators for higher vapor concentrations or poor ventilation.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, avoid cross-contamination of work areas.
Boiling Point: Around 80°C
Melting Point: -136°C
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Relative Density: About 0.86 at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Partially miscible, mixes in all ratios with many organic solvents
Flash Point: Approximately -11°C
Auto-Ignition Temperature: About 225°C
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low levels, may not always provide sufficient warning
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures; decomposes upon heating.
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with oxidizers. May form unstable peroxides upon exposure to air or light.
Hazardous Reactions: Mixing with acids or bases can generate heat and toxic fumes.
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly flammable gases.
Precaution: Regular testing for peroxide formation during long-term storage limits unexpected ignition.
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, accidental swallowing
Short-Term Health Effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, skin dryness, redness
Long-Term Health Effects: Repeated exposures may produce liver or kidney changes in laboratory animals; not enough human data for comprehensive risk evaluation.
Acute Toxicity Data: LD50 values in animals moderate, doses required for severe harm higher than for many chlorinated solvents.
Allergenic Potential: Sensitization not commonly reported; may still potentiate effects of other chemicals.
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and aquatic invertebrates at higher concentrations.
Persistence: Evaporates quickly from surface water, but residues linger in soil and sediment if release is large.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable through aerobic microbial action.
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely, but breaks down slowly in anaerobic environments.
Impact on Wastewater: High concentrations inhibit biological treatment processes and can impact drinking water supplies.
Preferred Method: Collect for incineration at licensed facilities.
Further Measures: Never pour into drains or landfills, avoid burning in unapproved areas.
Container Disposal: Rinse metal containers thoroughly, remove all traces of vapors, puncture and deliver to hazardous waste handler.
Environmental Precaution: Dilute residue before treatment, segregate from other waste streams.
Dangerous Goods Status: Classified as a flammable liquid by transport standards.
Packing Group: II or III depending on quantity and packaging
Labels Required: Flammable liquid, including relevant pictograms for international transport.
Transport Precautions: Secure containers tightly, keep away from sources of ignition, and provide ventilation during transit.
Incident Response: Notify authorities and evacuate surrounding area if container compromised during shipment.
Workplace Regulations: Occupational limits and reporting required in many jurisdictions; some agencies highlight risk of chronic exposure.
Environmental Laws: Subject to restrictions on release into water and atmosphere for industrial sites.
Consumer Product Status: Not for general consumer use due to flammability and inhalation hazards.
Other Requirements: Safety training for handlers, periodic equipment checks, regular safety audits.
