International Chemical Safety Cards

TETRAHYDROFURAN

ICSC: 0578

Tetramethylene oxide
Diethylene oxide
1,4-Epoxybutane
Oxacyclopentane
C₄H₈O / (CH₂)₃CH₂O
Molecular mass: 72.1

ICSC #    0578
CAS #     109-99-9
RTECS # LU5950000
UN #        2056
EC #         603-025-00-0
October 07, 1997 Peer reviewed

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 (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

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:
TLV (as TWA): 200 ppm; 590 mg/m³; (as STEL): 250 ppm; 737 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1997).
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m³) ST 250 ppm (735 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 2000 ppm LEL

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
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, 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. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.