F

Furfural

IUPAC: furan-2-carbaldehyde

C5H4O2 Organic Compounds CAS 98-01-1
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC5H4O2
CAS Number98-01-1
Molecular Weight96.08
Melting Point-33.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point323.1 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.159 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFurfural appears as colorless or reddish-brown mobile liquids with a penetrating odor. Flash points 140 °F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May be toxic by ingesti...
Also Known Asfuran-2-carbaldehyde; 2-Furaldehyde; 98-01-1; 2-Furancarboxaldehyde; Furaldehyde; Furfuraldehyde; 2-Formylfuran; Fural; 2-Furanaldehyde; 2-Furancarbonal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Furfural?

Furfural is an aldehyde that is furan with the hydrogen at position 2 substituted by a formyl group. It has a role as a metabolite and a Maillard reaction product. It is an aldehyde and a member of furans. It is functionally related to a furan.

Formula & Notation

C5H4O2

IUPAC Name: furan-2-carbaldehyde

Other Names / Synonyms: furan-2-carbaldehyde; 2-Furaldehyde; 98-01-1; 2-Furancarboxaldehyde; Furaldehyde; Furfuraldehyde; 2-Formylfuran; Fural; 2-Furanaldehyde; 2-Furancarbonal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Furfural appears as colorless or reddish-brown mobile liquids with a penetrating odor. Flash points 140 °F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May be toxic by ingesti.... Molecular formula: C5H4O2. Molecular weight: 96.08 g/mol. Boiling point: 323.1 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -33.7 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.159 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 68 °F ; 3 mmHg at 86 °F; 10 mmHg at 122 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-33.7 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point323.1 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.159 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight96.08
Solubility50 to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFurfural appears as colorless or reddish-brown mobile liquids with a penetrating odor. Flash points 140 °F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May be toxic by ingesti...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Furfural
Formula C5H4O2
CAS Number 98-01-1
Molecular Weight 96.08
Synonyms furan-2-carbaldehyde; 2-Furaldehyde; 98-01-1; 2-Furancarboxaldehyde; Furaldehyde; Furfuraldehyde; 2-Formylfuran; Fural; 2-Furanaldehyde; 2-Furancarbonal

Frequently Asked Questions

Furfural is an aldehyde that is furan with the hydrogen at position 2 substituted by a formyl group. It has a role as a metabolite and a Maillard reaction product. It is an aldehyde and a member of furans. It is functionally related to a furan.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.