Furfuryl alcohol (C5H6O2) is a versatile chemical derived from furfural. It is used in various industries for resin production, foundry applications, and as a solvent.
| IUPAC Name | 2-furanmethanol |
| Molecular Formula | C5H6O2 |
| CAS Number | 98-00-0 |
| Synonyms | 2-Furylmethanol, Furan-2-methanol, 2-Furfuryl alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H6O2/c6-4-5-2-1-3-7-5/h1-3,6H,4H2 |
Furfuryl Alcohol Properties
Furfuryl Alcohol Formula
The chemical formula of furfuryl alcohol is C5H6O2. It represents the arrangement and number of atoms in a molecule. The formula shows that furfuryl alcohol consists of five carbon atoms (C5), six hydrogen atoms (H6), and two oxygen atoms (O2). This formula provides a concise representation of its composition.
Furfuryl Alcohol Molar Mass
The molar mass of 2-furylmethanol is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Carbon (C) has a molar mass of 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen (H) has a molar mass of 1.01 g/mol, and oxygen (O) has a molar mass of 16.00 g/mol. By summing up the masses of these atoms, we find that the molar mass of 2-furylmethanol is approximately 98.10 g/mol.
Furfuryl Alcohol Boiling Point
2-furylmethanol has a boiling point of around 170-173°C (338-343°F). This temperature represents the point at which the liquid substance changes into a vapor state when heated. The boiling point is an important property as it determines the conditions under which 2-furylmethanol can be converted from a liquid to a gas.
Furfuryl Alcohol Melting Point
The melting point of 2-furylmethanol is approximately -29°C (-20°F). This temperature signifies the point at which the solid form of 2-furylmethanol transitions into a liquid state when heated. The melting point is significant in understanding the behavior of 2-furylmethanol when subjected to varying temperatures.
Furfuryl Alcohol Density g/mL
2-furylmethanol has a density of about 1.13 g/mL. Density is a measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. This property indicates how compact or concentrated the molecules of 2-furylmethanol are in a given volume. The density value helps in characterizing and comparing the substance’s physical properties.
Furfuryl Alcohol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of 2-furylmethanol is approximately 98.10 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Molecular weight plays a crucial role in various calculations, such as determining the amount of substance in moles or conducting stoichiometric calculations.
Furfuryl Alcohol Structure
The structure of 2-furylmethanol consists of a furan ring with a hydroxymethyl (-CH2OH) group attached to it. The furan ring is a five-membered cyclic structure composed of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. This structure imparts specific chemical and physical properties to 2-furylmethanol.
Furfuryl Alcohol Solubility
2-furylmethanol is soluble in water, alcohol, and various organic solvents. It exhibits good solubility in polar solvents due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. This solubility property makes 2-furylmethanol suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as resin production and as a solvent.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.129 – 1.135 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless to pale yellow |
| Odor | Pleasant, characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 98.10 g/mol |
| Density | 1.13 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -29°C (-20°F) |
| Boiling Point | 170-173°C (338-343°F) |
| Flash Point | 78°C (172°F) |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, ether, and organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.52 mmHg at 25°C |
| Vapour Density | 3.4 (Air = 1) |
| pKa | 15.3 |
| pH | 5.0 – 6.5 |
Furfuryl Alcohol Safety and Hazards
2-furylmethanol poses certain safety considerations and hazards that should be taken into account. It is flammable and can ignite if exposed to open flames, sparks, or heat sources. Proper handling procedures and precautions should be followed to avoid fire hazards. Inhalation of its vapors or mist may cause respiratory irritation, and skin contact can lead to mild to moderate irritation or sensitization. Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in adverse health effects. It is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, when working with 2-furylmethanol. Adequate ventilation and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial to ensure safe handling and minimize potential risks.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable (F), Harmful (Xn) |
| Safety Description | Keep away from open flames and heat sources. Use in well-ventilated areas. Handle with proper protective equipment. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
| UN IDs | UN 2874 |
| HS Code | 2932.19.80 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | 2-furylmethanol is considered toxic. Prolonged exposure or ingestion may cause adverse health effects. It should be handled and stored with care, following appropriate safety protocols. |
Furfuryl Alcohol Synthesis Methods
Several synthesis methods exist for 2-furylmethanol, including the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural. This process involves reacting furfural, which one can obtain from biomass or furfural-rich agricultural byproducts, with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, such as metal catalysts like Raney nickel or copper-based catalysts. The catalyst facilitates the conversion of furfural into 2-furylmethanol.
Another method entails the acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars, such as xylose, followed by the hydrogenation of the resulting furfural to yield 2-furylmethanol. This approach finds application when utilizing renewable resources for 2-furylmethanol production.
Catalysts facilitate the hydrogenation of furfurylamine or furfuraldehyde, enabling the synthesis of 2-furylmethanol. Suitable catalysts enable the hydrogenation reactions, leading to the production of 2-furylmethanol.
Reducing agents such as sodium borohydride or sodium amalgam can reduce furfural to obtain 2-furylmethanol. The reduction process converts furfural into 2-furylmethanol.
It is important to note that the choice of synthesis method may depend on factors such as the availability and cost of raw materials, desired yield, and the environmental impact of the process. Each method offers its own advantages and considerations, providing flexibility in 2-furylmethanol production based on specific requirements.
Furfuryl Alcohol Uses
2-furylmethanol plays a vital role in various industries owing to its versatile properties. It finds applications in different ways:
- Resin production: Manufacturers use 2-furylmethanol as a crucial component in producing furan resins. These resins have applications in foundries, where they act as binders for sand molds and cores. They also contribute to the manufacturing of abrasives, grinding wheels, and refractory materials.
- Foundry industry: Foundries widely employ 2-furylmethanol-based resins due to their excellent binding properties. These resins ensure high-quality molds and cores, guaranteeing dimensional accuracy and superior casting finishes.
- Solvent: Furfuryl alcohol acts as a solvent for resins, waxes, and oils, finding use in paints, coatings, and printing inks. It serves as a solvent or co-solvent, aiding in pigment dispersion and enhancing the flow properties of formulations.
- Agricultural applications: In the agricultural sector, 2-furylmethanol serves as a soil fumigant, controlling nematodes and other pests that can negatively impact crop productivity.
- Flavor and fragrance industry: Furfuryl alcohol plays a crucial role in producing various flavor and fragrance compounds. Its pleasant aroma and taste make it a valuable ingredient in food flavors, beverages, and perfumes.
- Corrosion inhibition: Industries utilize 2-furylmethanol as a corrosion inhibitor in coatings and metal surface treatments. It forms a protective film on metal substrates, preventing or slowing down the corrosion process.
- Chemical intermediate: Furfuryl alcohol acts as a precursor for synthesizing other chemicals, including furan derivatives and pharmaceutical compounds. It undergoes various chemical reactions to produce valuable intermediates used in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries.
- Other applications: Industries employ 2-furylmethanol to produce foundry sand binders, adhesives, sealants, and flavor food products.
These examples highlight the broad range of uses and versatile nature of 2-furylmethanol, emphasizing its significance across multiple industries.
Questions:
Q: Who food additives series 46 furfuryl alcohol?
A: 2-furylmethanol is included in the WHO food additives series 46.
Q: What is furfuryl alcohol?
A: 2-furylmethanol is a versatile chemical derived from furfural, commonly used in resin production and as a solvent.
Q: What can furfuryl alcohol be found in?
A: 2-furylmethanol can be found in various industries, including foundries, coatings, flavor and fragrance, and agriculture.
Q: What foods contain furfuryl alcohol?
A: 2-furylmethanol can be present in foods that have undergone heat treatment or processing, such as canned or bottled foods.
Q: Is furfuryl alcohol a carcinogen?
A: 2-furylmethanol has been classified as a possible carcinogen by some regulatory agencies due to its potential to form DNA-damaging compounds.
Q: Where does furfuryl alcohol come from?
A: 2-furylmethanol is derived from furfural, which is obtained from biomass or furfural-rich agricultural byproducts.
Q: Does furfuryl alcohol cause cancer?
A: 2-furylmethanol has the potential to cause cancer due to its ability to form genotoxic compounds, although further research is needed to fully understand the extent of its carcinogenic effects.