2-Methylfuran

Chemical properties

2-Methylfuran is a cyclic diene possessing ether-like properties. It is highly reactive with many inorganic and organic compounds yielding a variety of new derivatives which await exploration for the development of commercial applications.

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid; spicy, smoky aroma

Occurrence

Reported found in cooked beef, bread, butter, chicken, cocoa, coffee, currant, mint, tea and tomato.

The Uses of 2-Methylfuran

2-Methylfuran is a volatile organic compound (VOCs) used as a potential non-intrusive tool for screening of lung cancer.

The Uses of 2-Methylfuran

2-Methylfuran may be used in the synthesis of exo-cis-1-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride via Diels-Alder reaction with maleic anhydride.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-methylfuran is a member of the class of furans that is furan in which the hydrogen at position 2 is replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a human urinary metabolite, a hepatotoxic agent, a fuel, a flavouring agent and a plant metabolite. It is a member of furans and a volatile organic compound.

Aroma threshold values

Medium strength odor, chocolate type; recommend smelling in a 1.00% solution or less

General Description

A clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -22°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2-Methylfuran is incompatible with strong acids and strong bases. May react vigorously with oxidizing materials .

Hazard

Highly flammable, dangerous fire andexplosion risk. Irritant.

Health Hazard

Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by inhalation. An eye irritant. Mutation data reported. Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Purification Methods

Wash it with acidified saturated ferrous sulfate solution (to remove peroxides), separate, dry with CaSO4 or CaCl2, and fractionally distil it from KOH immediately before use. To reduce the possibility of spontaneous polymerisation, addition of about one-third of its volume of heavy mineral oil to 2-methylfuran prior to distillation has been recommended. [Beilstein 17 H 36, 17 I 18, 17 II 39, 17 III/IV 265.]