Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Introduction:

Tetrahydrofuran is a colourless organic compound which is also known as oxalic acid. It is commonly used as a precursor to polymers which are used for surface coating, adhesives, and printing inks. It is water-soluble and has low viscosity which makes it a highly resourceful solvent used in a variety of industries. Tetrahydrofuran is manufactured by acid-catalyzed dehydration of 1,4-butanediol, this method is widely used by Ashland. DuPont developed a manufacturing process for THF by oxidizing n-butane to crude maleic anhydride, which was followed by catalytic hydrogenation. The third manufacturing route involves hydroformylation of allyl alcohol followed by hydrogenation to 1,4-butanediol.

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Market Overview:

In 2023, the Tetrahydrofuran (THF) market was valued at around USD 2.65 billion, and it is anticipated to surge to about USD 7.11 billion by 2032, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The market is segmented into applications which include polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) and Solvent. The PTMEG segment dominates the market as tetrahydrofuran is widely used as a feedstock for the synthesis of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). PTMEG is a key raw material used in the production of spandex fibers. THF is used as a solvent in the reaction process to dissolve the PTMEG and facilitate the reaction that produces the spandex. THF is widely used as a solvent in the production of various polymers, including polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is also used as a co-solvent in the production of cellulose acetate. In the pharmaceutical industry, THF is a common solvent used in research and manufacturing. It is used as a reaction solvent in the synthesis of some active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and as a solvent for extraction, crystallization, and purification of APIs.

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Region Analysis:

In 2023, the demand for Tetrahydrofuran (THF) was around 1412.52 kilotons. Achieving the projected demand of approximately 2221.15 kilotons by 2032 reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Asia Pacific accounts for more than 70% of the global THF consumption followed by North America and Western Europe. China is the largest market for THF, accounting for more than 40% of global consumption in 2023, and will continue to boost the market during the forecast period. More than 75% of the THF demand is consumed for PTMEG production, to supply the rapidly expanding spandex market in Asia, as well as the polyurethane elastomers market in North America and Western Europe.

Top Tetrahydrofuran Manufacturers:

• BASF SE
• Invista
• LyondellBasell
• Dairen Chemical
• Ashland
• Nova Molecular Technologies
• Mitsubishi Chemical
• Sipchem

Increasing demand from the End-Use Industries

The growing use of tetrahydrofuran as a solvent for polyvinyl chlorides, vinylidene chloride polymers, and natural and synthetic resins created lucrative opportunities for the manufacturers of tetrahydrofuran. Tetrahydrofuran is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. It is used in the preparation of chemicals, including adipic acid, butadiene, butyrolactone, succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol diacetate, motor fuels, pharmaceuticals, synthetic perfumes, organometallic compounds, and insecticides.

It is also used in the manufacture of polytetramethylene ether glycol, polyurethane elastomers, and elastic polymers.

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is extensively used for the synthesis of carbetapentane, rifamycin, progesterone, and some hormone drugs. Tetrahydrofuran is used to manufacture pharmaceutical steroids. Pharmaceutical steroids are used as a reaction medium, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, in processes such as Grignard syntheses or lithium aluminum hydride reductions.

Health Hazards of Tetrahydrofuran

Overexposure to Tetrahydrofuran can cause dizziness, irritation to the respiratory tract, and headache. Upon decomposition, THF releases harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Prolonged contact with air can decompose it into explosive peroxides therefore, extra precautions must be taken while storing and handling it. THF is highly flammable and carcinogenic which can cause health hazards to humans and animals. All these factors will hinder the tetrahydrofuran market growth in the forecast period.