What Is Furfuryl Alcohol?
Furfuryl alcohol, with the molecular formula C5H6O2, is a heterocyclic aromatic compound known as 2-furanmethanol. It is characterized by a burnt smell and is a clear, colorless to yellowish-brown liquid that darkens upon exposure to light or air. Its notable physical properties include a melting point of -20.2°C, a boiling point of 170°C, and a density of 1.13 g/mL. Furfuryl alcohol is readily soluble in ether, alcohols, benzene, and chloroform, and is miscible in water.
Uses of Furfuryl Alcohol
Its primary uses include raw material for synthetic resins, solvent applications, and as a chemical raw material in the production of oxygen-containing five-membered rings. It finds applications in semiconductor devices, surfactants, and increasingly in water-based inks as an alternative to VCO-emitting oil-based inks. As a synthetic resin, it contributes to the manufacturing of furan resins used in casting and as a component in self-igniting rocket fuel.
Properties of Furfuryl Alcohol
Industrially synthesized from furfural found in agricultural by-products, furfuryl alcohol participates in Diels-Alder reactions, hydroxymethylation, and forms ethers through reactions with halides. It can undergo dehydration polymerization to produce furan resins. A notable reaction involving furfuryl alcohol is the Ahmatovich reaction for synthesizing dihydropyran rings.
Furfuryl Alcohol Types
Marketed primarily for research and development, furfuryl alcohol is available in various quantities, from small-scale reagent bottles to larger containers. It is also recognized as a safe flavoring agent and food additive.
Other Information About Furfuryl Alcohol
Furfuryl alcohol, with a low flash point of 65°C, falls under specific classifications for hazardous materials, requiring adherence to safety regulations under multiple laws. However, its use as a food additive and flavoring agent is sanctioned within regulated limits.