Tetrahydrofuran (THF): The High-Performance Solvent for Coatings, Adhesives and More
Tetrahydrofuran, CAS 109-99-9, is a colorless, low-viscosity cyclic ether with the molecular formula C₄H₈O and a molecular weight of 72.11. It has a characteristic ether-like odor and is fully miscible with water and a broad range of organic solvents. Its moderate polarity, excellent solvency power, and low viscosity make THF solvent one of the most widely used aprotic solvents in both industrial production and laboratory synthesis. EastChem's THF is stabilized with BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) to prevent peroxide formation during storage, ensuring safe and reliable performance throughout the product's shelf life.
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 109-99-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Boiling Point | 65–67°C |
| Purity (GC) | ≥99.5% |
| Miscibility | Fully miscible with water and most organic solvents |
| Stabilizer | BHT (0.014–0.031%) |
Applications of THF Solvent
THF for coatings and paints is one of its most important industrial uses. THF is particularly suitable for dissolving polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and their copolymers to obtain low-viscosity solutions, making it widely used in the manufacture of surface coatings, protective coatings, and films.
Beyond coatings, THF solvent serves critical functions across multiple industries:
Adhesives & PVC Cements: THF is widely used to join rigid plastic pipe and in compounded cements for leather, plastic sheet film extrusions, and molded plastic parts assemblies. Its rapid solvent activity, minimum gelation, and low relative viscosity for resin solutions make it an ideal choice for adhesive formulation.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: THF is frequently utilized as a reaction and extraction solvent in pharmaceutical synthetic procedures due to its broad solvency for both polar and non-polar compounds, enabling higher yields and faster reaction rates.
Polymer & Resin Production: THF serves as a solvent for resins, vinyls, and high polymers, and as a Grignard reaction medium for organometallic and metal hydride reactions. It is also widely used as an analytical solvent in GPC/SEC polymer characterization.
Printing Inks & Magnetic Tapes: THF solvent is widely used in the formulation of printing inks, anti-corrosion coatings, magnetic tapes, and film coatings due to its excellent solvency and fast evaporation rate.
Chemical Intermediates: THF is an important raw material in the synthesis of downstream chemicals including gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, and adiponitrile.
Why Choose EastChem as Your THF Supplier?
EastChem supplies tetrahydrofuran CAS 109-99-9 with consistent high purity (≥99.5% GC), reliable BHT stabilization, and full technical documentation for each batch. Our supply chain is optimized for export to global markets, with flexible packaging options and professional logistics support. Whether you are sourcing THF for coatings and paints production, adhesive manufacturing, or chemical synthesis, EastChem provides the product quality and service reliability that industrial buyers require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is tetrahydrofuran THF used for in the coatings and paints industry?
THF for coatings and paints is primarily used as a high-performance solvent to dissolve PVC, polyvinylidene chloride, and chlorinated resin systems. It produces low-viscosity solutions that allow uniform pigment dispersion and smooth film formation. THF's high volatility ensures complete solvent removal after application, resulting in clean and durable coating surfaces. EastChem supplies THF solvent specifically suited for coatings, vinyl topcoating, and cast vinyl film applications.
Q2: What is the CAS number of tetrahydrofuran and what are its key specifications?
Tetrahydrofuran CAS 109-99-9 has the molecular formula C₄H₈O, a molecular weight of 72.11 g/mol, and a boiling point of 65–67°C. EastChem's THF meets ACS reagent grade standards with purity ≥99.5% by GC analysis, water content ≤0.05%, peroxide content ≤0.005%, and BHT stabilizer content of 0.014–0.031%. Full certificates of analysis and safety data sheets are available on request.
Q3: How should THF solvent be stored safely?
THF solvent should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat, open flames, and oxidizing agents, in a cool and well-ventilated area. Because tetrahydrofuran can form explosive peroxides upon prolonged exposure to air and light, EastChem's product is stabilized with BHT to extend safe storage life. Containers should be kept sealed when not in use, and peroxide levels should be checked if the product has been stored for an extended period.
Q4: Can EastChem supply THF in bulk for industrial manufacturing?
Yes. EastChem supplies tetrahydrofuran CAS 109-99-9 in standard drum packaging as well as bulk IBC and flexi-tank quantities for large-scale industrial buyers. Our export logistics team handles documentation, hazardous goods compliance, and shipping coordination to ensure on-time delivery to customers across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Buyers seeking a reliable THF supplier for continuous production are welcome to contact us for pricing and lead times.
Q5: What industries besides coatings use THF solvent?
In addition to THF for coatings and paints, EastChem's tetrahydrofuran is used across the adhesives industry for PVC pipe cements and plastic assembly adhesives, in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a reaction and extraction solvent, in polymer laboratories for GPC/SEC analysis, in printing ink formulations, and as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol. EastChem welcomes inquiries from buyers in all these sectors looking for a consistent and high-purity THF supplier.