2-Methyltetrahydrofuran

Description

2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF or 2-MTHF) is a bio-based solvent that is recognized as the most favorable of ether solvents. The relatively high boiling point (80?C) and low melting point (-137?C) provide a broad temperature range for a myriad of processing conditions. It is a potential greener solvent alternative for organic synthesis. It shows resistance to reduction by lithium making it a promising candidate as electrolytes in lithium batteries. Its polarity and Lewis base strength is intermediate between tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diethyl ether. The ring opening reaction of 2-MTHF has been studied using acid chloride and iodide.

The Uses of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran

2-Methyltetrahydrofuran acts as a solvent in organic synthesis. It is considered as a replacement for terahydrofuran due to its higher reaction temperature and easy separation after reaction. It is also useful in the electrolyte formulation for secondary lithium electrodes and as a component in alternative fuels. Further, it is used as a solvent for spectroscopic studies at -1960C. It also acts as a solvent for Grignard reagent in organometallic reactions. In addition to this, it plays an important role as a motor fuel.

The Uses of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran

To a solution of the SM (2.92 g, 9.89 mmol) in 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (115 mL) was added DIEA (13.8 mL, 39.5 mmol) and cyclopropylamine (2.77 mL, 39.5 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated to 70 C and T3P (50% weight solution in DCE) (17.3 mL, 59.3 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 70 C for 16 h and then diluted with EtOAc (200 mL). The mixture was then washed sequentially with sat aq Na2CO3 (100 mL), 10% aq citric acid (100 mL), and saturated aq Na2CO3 (100 mL). The combined org extracts were dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil. The crude was purified by column chromatography (eluting with 50% EtOAc/heptane) to give a solid which was recrystallized with IPA to provide the product as a white solid. [2.46 g, 74%]

What are the applications of Application

2-Methyltetrahydrofuran is a biomass-derived organic chemistry solvent