International Chemical Safety Cards

TETRAHYDROFURAN ICSC: 0578
TETRAHYDROFURAN
Tetramethylene oxide
Diethylene oxide
1,4-Epoxybutane
Oxacyclopentane
C4H8O / (CH2)3CH2O
Molecular mass: 72.1
CAS # 109-99-9
RTECS # LU5950000
ICSC # 0578
UN # 2056
EC # 603-025-00-0
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Dry skin. Redness. Pain.
    		Protective gloves.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain.
    		Safety spectacles.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• (See Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. (extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours).
    		Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Store only if stabilized.
    		Airtight.
    F symbol
    Xi symbol
    R: 11-19-36/37
    S: (2-)16-29-33
    UN Hazard Class: 3
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0578 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    TETRAHYDROFURAN ICSC: 0578

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance can form explosive peroxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, strong bases and some metal halides, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as TWA): 200 ppm; 590 mg/m3; (as STEL): 250 ppm; 737 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1997).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20░C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance or the vapour irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system at high level , resulting in narcosis.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 66░C
    Melting point: -108.5░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 0.89
    Solubility in water: miscible
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20░C: 19.3
    		 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.5
    Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20░C (air = 1): 1.28
    Flash point: -14.5░C c.c.
    Auto-ignition temperature: 321░C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2-11.8
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    N O T E S
    p-Cresol or hydroquinone are commonly used stabilizers. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Check for peroxides prior to distillation; eliminate if found.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-601
    NFPA Code: H2; F3; R1;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0578 TETRAHYDROFURAN
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.