Tetrahydrofuran—Used to Manufacture Most Elastomeric Polyurethanes

Abstract

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a heterocyclic compound and has been investigated primarily in occupational toxicology. The general population is rarely faced with this compound, and acute poisoning is extremely rare. THF is used to synthesize primary alcohols and as a solvent for Grignard reagents, which is an organometallic chemical reaction linking alkyl- or aryl-magnesium halides. Moreover, THF is also used in polymer science, a range of plastics, dyes, elastomers, and glues. Additional uses that show the versatility of this product include the synthesis of motor fuels, the manufacture of pharmaceutical compounds, synthetic perfumes, organometallic composites, and insecticides. Exposure occurs by either inhalation or dermal contact. After absorption, THF is oxidized by cytochrome P450 and further hydrolyzed by paraoxonase. The general population might be exposed using household products containing THF. In rats, LD50 is 1650mg/kg by oral administration and 21,000ppm/3H by inhalation. THF is a mutagen and reproductive effector. Under the National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Public Health Service finalized a 2-year bioassay in rodents by inhalation. This study suggests that THF is carcinogenic for laboratory animals. The data shows carcinogenic stimulus in the liver and kidneys of experimental animals. In inhalation studies, THF increased the incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma in mice (female) and induced renal tubule adenoma or carcinoma in rats (male). No data link THF contact to cancer in humans. THF has been indicated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans.