Methods for producing tetrahydrofuran

Tetrahydrofuran is a class of heterocyclic organic compounds. It is one of the strongest polar ethers, it is used as a middle polarity solvent in chemical reaction and extraction. It is a colorless volatile liquid, similar to the ether, it soluble in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene, most organic solvents.

Tetrahydrofuran use widely in chemical industry, but do you know how to produce tetrahydrofuran? Now, I will show you 5 Methods for producing tetrahydrofuran.

1. Furfural method

At first, furan is from furfural decarbonylation, than plus hydrogen into furan, after than we can get tetrahydrofuran. This is one of the earliest methods for industrial production of tetrahydrofuran. Furfural are mainly made of corn cob and other agricultural and sideline products by hydrolysis. This method pollute the environment seriously, it is not conducive to large-scale production, so it has been eliminated gradually now.

2.Catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride

Maleic anhydride and hydrogen pure into the interior of nickel catalyst from the bottom of the reactor, The ratio of tetrahydrofuran’s and gammabutyrolactone’s production can be controlled by adjusting the operating parameters. Reaction products and the raw material of hydrogen get into the bottom of the washing tower when they cool down to 50 ℃. The unreacted hydrogen and gaseous separate from the liquid product, the unreacted hydrogen and the gaseous product are recycled to the reactor after washing. Tetrahydrofuran product will be distilled by the liquid product. The process can be in 0 ~ (5 ∶ 1) within arbitrary adjustment of the ratio of γ - butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran, the conversion rate of maleic anhydride can be 100%, and the tetrahydrofuran selectivity can be 85% ~ 95%. The content of the product can reach 99.97%. The process has the characteristics of simple process, catalyst performance, less investment.

3.1,4- butanediol dehydration cyclization method

This method is that inject the 22% concentration of sulfuric acid solution into 1, 4-butanediol in h igh-speed, then getting the aqueous tetrahydrofuran. This process of tetrahydrofuran yield can reach more than 99%, sulfuric acid as important catalyst in the reaction. This technology is mature, the process is simple, low reaction temperature, high yield of tetrahydrofuran, but sulfuric acid corrosive equipment, pollution of the environment.

4.1,4 two chlorobutene method

The raw material is 1, 4- two chloride butene, first getting the butylene glycol through the hydrolysis, then getting the tetrahydrofuran from butylene glycol by catalytic hydrogenation. This method has the advantages of simple operation, mild condition, high yield, low catalyst consumption and continuous use.

5. Butadiene oxidation method

The raw material is butadiene, first getting furan through the oxidation of butadiene and then hydrogenation of the product, so that we can obtain tetrahydrofuran. Now ,this method has been industrialized in foreign countries.

In the article I have shown you 5 methods for producing tetrahydrofuran, I hope my words will give you a little help. Thank you！

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