THF
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Tetrahydrofuran |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
THF stands for Tetrahydrofuran, a chemistry abbreviation.
Cyclic ether, C4H8O, widely used as a reaction solvent, especially for Grignard and organolithium chemistry, and industrially as a precursor to spandex fibers and a solvent in PVC pipe cement. It mixes with water and boils at 66 °C.
Example: Anhydrous THF was freshly distilled from sodium and benzophenone before use.
Usage notes
Like other ethers, THF slowly forms explosive peroxides on exposure to air and light, so commercial grades contain an inhibitor such as BHT, and opened bottles should be dated and tested. The "tetrahydro" prefix indicates four hydrogens added to furan, an aromatic ring.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- SLS – Sodium lauryl sulfate
- SN1 – Unimolecular nucleophilic substitution
- SN2 – Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution
- STP – Standard temperature and pressure
- TFA – Trifluoroacetic acid
- TGA – Thermogravimetric analysis
- TLC – Thin-layer chromatography
- TMS – Tetramethylsilane
- TNT – Trinitrotoluene
- UV-Vis – Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
- VOC – Volatile organic compound
- VSEPR – Valence shell electron pair repulsion