| Formula / Notation | C4H4O |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 110-00-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 68.07 |
| Melting Point | -123 °F (EPA, 1998) |
| Boiling Point | 90 °F at 758 mmHg (EPA, 1998) |
| Density | 0.9371 at 66.92 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Furan appears as a clear colorless liquid with a strong odor. Flash point below 32 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. |
| Also Known As | 110-00-9; Divinylene oxide; Tetrole; Furfuran; Oxacyclopentadiene; Oxole; Furane; 1,4-Epoxy-1,3-butadiene; Axole; NCI-C56202 |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Furan?
Furan is a monocyclic heteroarene with a structure consisting of a 5-membered ring containing four carbons and one oxygen, with formula C4H4O. It is a toxic, flammable, low-boiling (31C) colourless liquid. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent, a hepatotoxic agent and a Maillard reaction product. It is a member of furans, a mancude organic heteromonocyclic parent and a monocyclic heteroarene.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: furan
Other Names / Synonyms: 110-00-9; Divinylene oxide; Tetrole; Furfuran; Oxacyclopentadiene; Oxole; Furane; 1,4-Epoxy-1,3-butadiene; Axole; NCI-C56202
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | -123 °F (EPA, 1998) |
| Boiling Point | 90 °F at 758 mmHg (EPA, 1998) |
| Density | 0.9371 at 66.92 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 68.07 |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Furan appears as a clear colorless liquid with a strong odor. Flash point below 32 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Furan is a monocyclic heteroarene with a structure consisting of a 5-membered ring containing four carbons and one oxygen, with formula C4H4O. It is a toxic, flammable, low-boiling (31C) colourless liquid. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent, a hepatotoxic agent and a Maillard reaction product. It is a member of furans, a mancude organic heteromonocyclic parent and a monocyclic heteroarene.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Furan is: C4H4O