MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET TETRAHYDROFURAN
PRODUCT CODE NUMBER(S): 8900-1, 8900-2, 8901-2, 8901-7, 8903-2, 8904-2, 8900-30
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION sources, incompatible or combustible materials, generation
of mist.
Chemical Name and Synonyms: Tetrahydrofuran; Hazardous Decomposition Products: If not inhibited, can
THF; Tetramethylene oxide; Diethylene oxide; Oxolane; form potentially explosive peroxides upon standing in air.
1,4-Epoxybutane
Chemical Family: Cycloaliphatic ether FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
Chemical Formula: CH2CH2CH2CH2O
Flammability: Extremely flammable liquid. Ignites readily
Product Use: Laboratory solvent at room temperature. Even dilute solutions may be flamma-
Manufacturer鈥檚 Name and Address: ble. Can accumulate static charge by flow or agitation.
Caledon Laboratories Ltd. Vapour readily forms explosive mixtures with air. Vapours
are heavier than air and may travel to distant ignition source
40 Armstrong Avenue
and flash back. Closed conainers may rupture violently
Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4R9
when exposed to fire.
Telephone No: (905) 877-0101
Extinguishing Media: CO2, dry chemical, foam. Water may
Fax No: (905) 877-6666 be ineffective for extinguishing, but as spray or fog may be
Emergency Telephone No: CANUTEC (613) 996-6666 used to cool containers, disperse vapours, and dilute chemi-
cal to non-flammable solution. Fight fire from upwind, from a
HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS OF MATERIALS safe distance. Firefighters must wear protective equipment
(NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing appara-
tus) and clothing (Bunker Gear) sufficient to prevent
Ingredients % TLV Units CAS No.
inhalation of mists or vapours, and contact with skin and
Tetrahydrofuran >99 50 ppm (TWA) 109-99-9 eyes. Closed containers may rupture violently during fire;
100 ppm (STEL) withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from vent or
discoloration of tank.
PHYSICAL DATA Flash Point (Method Used): -17掳C (TCC)
Autoignition Temperature: 321掳C
Physical State: Liquid
Upper Flammable Limit (% by volume): 11.8
Odour and Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid, strong
ether-like odour Lower Flammable Limit (% by volume): 1.8
Odour Threshold (ppm): 2.48 - 3.47 ppm (recognition); Hazardous Combustion Products: COx
61.2 ppm (distinct odour). Good warning properties.
Sensitivity to Impact: None if pure. If contaminated with
Vapour Pressure (mm Hg): 131.5 mm Hg at 20掳C
peroxides, may explode on impact.
Vapour Density (Air = 1): 2.49 Sensitivity to Static discharge: Vapour readily ignited by
Evaporation Rate: 8 (n-butyl acetate = 1) static discharge. Liquid can accumulate static charge by
flow or agitiation.
Boiling Point (degrees C): 66掳C
Freezing Point (degrees C): -108.5掳C
TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND HEALTH DATA
pH: 7 (aqueous solution)
Specific Gravity: 0.9 Toxicological Data:
Coefficient of Water/Oil distribution: LogP (oct) = 0.46 LD50: (oral, rat) 1,650 mg/kg
LC50: (rat) 21,000 ppm/3h
SHIPPING DESCRIPTION
UN: 2056 Effects of Acute Exposure to Product:
T.D.G. Class: 3 Inhaled: Irritating to respiratory tract and other mucous
Pkg. Group: II membranes. CNS depressant. May cause coughing, short-
ness of breath, nausea, headache, dizziness, intoxication
REACTIVITY DATA and loss of consciousness. 25,000 ppm has been reported
lethal to humans; duration not given. May aggravate exist-
Chemical Stability: Stable if properly inhibited. In absence ing pulmonary/bronchial disease. Severe overexposure can
of inhibitor, forms potentially explosive peroxides upon cause pulmonary edema which may be fatal. Symptoms
standing in air. If peroxides accumulate above 1%, mixture (shortness of breath, cyanosis) may appear several hours
becomes thermally explosive. after exposure. In animal testing, long term inhalation
Incompatibility with other substances: Incompatible with caused CNS depression, liver effects.
strong oxidizers, acids, bases. Vigorous reaction with bro- In contact with skin: Vapours and liquid not irritating to
mine. Any peroxides in the product can react violently with skin. Prolonged exposure may cause drying and dermatitis.
alkalis. Not corrosive to metals. Will attack some forms of No information on absorption.
plastics, rubber, coatings. In contact with eyes: High concentrations of vapour are ir-
Reactivity: Polymerization can occur in presence of ritating. Liquid can cause severe irritation, eye corrosion with
cationic initiators such as selected Lewis acids or strong pro- corneal or conjunctival ulceration.
ton acids. Avoid heat, sparks, open flame, all ignition Ingested: No specific human information available. May
cause burning sensation in the mouth and throat, nausea,
TETRAHYDROFURAN
MSDS
CODE: 8900-1, 8900-2, 8901-2, 8901-7, 8903-2, 8904-2, 8900-30
and vomiting. Animal testing indicates low oral toxicity. Liver extinguishers available. Empty containers may contain
damage may result from ingestion of large amounts. May be hazardous residues; treat with extreme caution.
aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting, which Storage Requirements: Store in suitable, labelled containers,
can cause pulmonary edema, chemical pneumonitis, and in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight and
death. away from strong oxidizers, corrosives, and other incompatable
materials. Storage facilities should be made of fire-resistant ma-
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product: terials. Provide raised sills and trenches to drain to a safe area.
Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and all sources of igni-
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC,
tion. Protect from damage, and inspects frequently for signs of
ACGIH, NTP. No evidence of carcinogenicity in animal stud-
leaking. Treat empty containers with caution, as they may con-
ies; no human information available.
tain hazardous residues. Do not reuse containers. Use drums
Teratogenicity: No evidence of teratogenic effects in ani- on a first in, first out basis.
mal studies except at doses that were maternally toxic.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Reproductive Effects: No human information available No
effects on fertility or reproduction in a two-generation animal
study. Specific Measures:
Mutagenicity: No evidence of any mutagenic effects
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with gently running water for ten
Synergistic Products: None known to fifteen (10-15) minutes, holding eyelids open during flushing.
Take care not to flush contaminated water into unaffected eye.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES Obtain medical attention immediately.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing(including shoes,
Engineering Controls: Non-sparking, grounded exhaust
watches, belts, and rings). Wash affected areas with large
ventilation, separate from other ventilation systems.
amounts of running water, for five to ten (5-10) minutes, or until
Respiratory Protection: Dust/mist mask. Fumehood. Up
no trace of chemical remains. If irritation persists, get medical
to 2,000 ppm: NIOSH/MSHA approved continuous flow sup-
attention.
plied-air respirator, or full face-piece chemical cartridge
Inhalation: IMMEDIATELY remove casualty from contami-
respirator with organic vapour cartridges, or powered
nated area to fresh air (caution must be used by rescuers to
air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridges.
avoid exposure to contaminating fumes). Remove any sources
Higher or unknown concentrations, as in fire or spill condi-
of ignition. Give oxygen and get medical attention for any
tions: positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus,
breathing difficulty. If breathing has stopped give artificial respi-
or positive-pressure, full face-piece supplied-air respirator
ration. If breathing and pulse are absent give CPR. Immediately
with auxiliary positive-pressure self-contained breathing ap-
obtain medical attention. Stay with casualty until medical assis-
paratus.
tance is reached.
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield.
Ingestion: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the casualty is
Skin Protection: Barrier (PE/PA/PE), Silver Shield/4H脭 alert and not convulsing, give 2 to 4 glasses of water to dilute
(polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Responder脭, the material. Get medical attention immediately. If spontaneous
Trellchem脭HPS, Tychem脭BR/LV, Tychem脭TK gloves. Im- vomiting occurs, have casualty lean forward to avoid breathing
permeable apron, boots, overalls as required to prevent in of emesis. Rinse mouth and administer more water.
contact.
REFERENCES USED
Other Personal Protective Equipment: Safety shower
and eyebath in work area.
CCINFO disc: Cheminfo, MSDS鈥檚, December 2005
Leak and Spill Procedure: Evacuate area, and provide
Budavari: The Merck Index, 12th ed., 1997
maximum ventilation. Eliminate all sources of ignition.
Cleanup personnel must be thoroughly trained in the han- Royal Society of Chemistry: Material Safety Data Sheets, Vol. 1,
dling of hazardous materials, and must wear protective 1992
equipment and clothing sufficient to prevent inhalation of Sax, Lewis: Hawley鈥檚 Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed.,
mists or vapours and contact with skin and eyes. Do not
1987
touch spilled material. Stop or reduce discharge if safe to do
Suppliers鈥? Material Safety Data Sheets
so. Contain spill and collect using inert absorbent material.
Prevent from entering sewers or waterways. Collect con-
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
taminated adsorbent in labelled containers and hold for
disposal. Wash site of spill thoroughly with detergent and
Date Issued: November 1, 1988
water.
Revision: December 2005
Waste Disposal: Follow all federal, provincial, and local
regulations. MSDS: 8900-1, 8900-2, 8901-2, 8901-7, 8903-2, 8904-2,
8900-30
Handling Procedures and Equipment: EXTREMELY
FLAMMABLE, TOXIC LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Workers Proposed WHMIS Designation: B2; D2B (eye irritant)
must be thoroughly trained in the hazards of this material
and its safe use, and must wear appropriate protective cloth- Prepared by: Caledon Laboratories Ltd. (905) 877-0101
ing and equipment. Post 鈥淣o Smoking鈥? signs. Ground and Caledon Laboratories Ltd. believes the information contained
bond equipment to prevent static charge accumulation. Use herein is reliable and accurate. Caledon makes no warranty with
non-sparking tools. Avoid splash filling. Keep aisles and ex-
respect thereto and expressly disclaims all liability for reliance
its clear of obstruction. Keep workplace free of incompatible
thereon. Such information is solely for your consideration, investi-
or combustible materials. Avoid contact with skin and eyes
gation, and verification.
and inhalation of vapours. Avoid generating vapours or
mists. Use the smallest amount possible for the purpose, in
a designated area with adequate ventilation. Keep contain-
ers closed when not in use. Do not return contaminated
material to the original container. Have absorbents readily
availabe for leaks or spills. Have appropriate fire
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