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Name: Furfural
Chemical Formula: C5H4O2
Synonyms: 2-Furaldehyde, 2-Furancarboxaldehyde
Appearance: Oily, colorless to amber liquid, with a distinct almond-like odor
Common Uses: Solvent, intermediate in manufacturing resins, agriculture, and flavorings
CAS Number: 98-01-1
Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicant, skin and eye irritant
Major Health Hazards: Respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, liver toxicity with repeated exposure
Fire Risks: Burns readily; vapors may form explosive mixtures in air
Environmental Hazards: Hazardous to aquatic life with potential for long-lasting effects in water systems
Warning Symbols: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS08 (Health Hazard)
Component: Furfural (C5H4O2)
Purity: Typically commercially available above 98%
Impurities: Trace amounts of water or related aldehydes may exist
Molecular Weight: 96.08 g/mol
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, seek medical attention if breathing remains difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash soap and water thoroughly, medical help if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid vomiting, get medical help quickly
Suitable Extinguishers: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, never use water in direct jets
Fire Risks: Releases toxic fumes under combustion, especially carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Firefighting Gear: Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus
Further Precautions: Cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire, avoid runoff into drains or waterways since contaminated water can spread hazards
Personal Protection: Equip with gloves, goggles, and respirator if necessary
Evacuation: Remove unnecessary personnel from the area
Spill Management: Absorb with sand, earth, or inert material and place in chemical waste container
Environmental Protection: Block spillage from reaching watercourses or sewage
Decontamination: Wash residue with water and detergent, ventilate the area
Handling: Ensure ventilation, minimize vapors, avoid contact with skin or eyes, reduce inhalation through fume hoods or local exhaust
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and incompatible materials like strong oxidizers
Container Requirements: Use tightly sealed containers made from compatible materials such as stainless steel or glass
Other Tips: Regularly inspect storage vessels for leaks and keep them labeled
Airborne Limits: OSHA PEL: 5 ppm (8-hour TWA); ACGIH TLV: 2 ppm (skin)
Control Measures: Include engineering controls like local ventilation and closed handling systems
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and lab coats; use respirator for high concentrations
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse, never eat, drink, or smoke in work areas
Boiling Point: About 161°C
Melting Point: -37°C
Flash Point: 60°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 1.2 kPa at 20°C
Density: 1.16 g/cm³
Solubility: Forms mixtures with alcohol and ether, slight solubility in water
Odor Threshold: Noticeable at low concentrations
Chemical Stability: Stable in original containers under normal use, but sensitive to air and light, which can cause gradual degradation
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, reducing agents, acids, alkalis
Hazardous Combustion Products: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes when burned
Avoid: Open flames, excessive heat, incompatible substances
Inhalation Effects: Causes headache, dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, potential for lung irritation or damage with prolonged exposure
Skin Effects: May cause dermatitis or allergic reactions, redness, pain
Eye Effects: Irritation, watering, redness, possible impairment with heavy exposure
Ingestion Effects: Abdominal pain, vomiting, drowsiness, possible damage to liver or kidneys
Chronic Exposure: Studies in animals show liver toxicity with long-term, high-level exposure
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen, though consistent exposure should be minimized according to best health practices
Environmental Fate: Degrades in environment, but not immediately; risk of contamination in water bodies
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms at moderate concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Not significant, tends to disperse and break down
Mobility: Mobile in soil, risk of groundwater contamination if not properly managed
Safe Disposal: Must be disposed of in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations due to toxicity and flammability
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate containers thoroughly, recycle or dispose of as hazardous material
Preferred Methods: Incineration by licensed waste disposal contractors is safest, after consulting with environmental authorities
Do Not: Discharge into drains, watercourses, or general municipal waste streams
Transport Regulations: Classified as flammable liquid for road, rail, air, and sea
UN Number: 1199
Packing Group: III (moderate hazard)
Hazard Label: Flammable liquid
Precautions During Transport: Secure containers, keep away from incompatible substances and ignition sources, report leaks or spills promptly to transport authorities
Global Listings: Registered on various chemical control lists (such as REACH in Europe, TSCA in the United States)
Workplace Rules: Subject to OSHA regulations, personal exposure must not exceed set limits, safety data must be available to employees
Labeling: Complies with GHS for hazard communication, must carry cautionary statements and pictograms
Community Right-to-Know: Included in inventories such as the US SARA Title III for emergency planning and reporting
Additional Local Requirements: Vary depending on country and city ordinances; always check with local regulators before handling large quantities
