Tetrahydrofuran, also known as THF, hydrofuran, oxolane, oxacyclopentane, or furanidine, is a heterocyclic organic compound. It is one of the most polar ethers and is used as a solvent of intermediate polarity in chemical reactions and extractions. THF is a clear, low-viscosity liquid with an diethyl ether-like smell. THF is completely miscible with water at room temperature. THF tends to form peroxides on storage. Commercial THF is therefore often inhibited with BHT. Alternatively, THF can be stored in air-tight bottles in the dark over sodium hydroxide. THF is the fully hydrogenated analog of the aromatic compound furan.
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