furfural (chemistry)
Pharmaceutical Materials 2025-03-02
Chemical Name: Furfural
Molecular Formula: C5H4O2
Molecular Weight: 96.08
Appearance: Colorless to yellow oily liquid with an almond-like odor
Melting Point: -36.5°C
Boiling Point: 161.7°C Usage: Used as an industrial chemical and raw material for organic synthesis.
Furfural, also known as furan-2-aldehyde or 2-furaldehyde, is a versatile organic compound with a distinct almond-like odor. It belongs to the family of heterocyclic compounds, specifically containing a furan ring with an aldehyde functional group. Furfural is primarily derived from agricultural residues such as corn cobs, wheat straw, and sawdust through acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentoses. Its industrial applications are extensive, spanning from solvent use in petroleum refining to the synthesis of resins, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Due to its unique chemical structure, furfural exhibits a range of reactive properties, making it a key intermediate in various chemical processes.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical Formula | C5H4O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 96.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to reddish-brown oil |
| Odor | Characteristic almond-like |
| Density | 1.16 g/cm³ at 25°C |
| Boiling Point | 161.7°C |
| Melting Point | -36°C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Functional Groups | Aldehyde (-CHO), Furan ring |
| Solubility | Soluble in polar organic solvents, slightly soluble in water |
| Reactivity | Aldol condensation, oxidation to furfuric acid, reduction to furfuryl alcohol |
| Stability | Air-sensitive, prone to discoloration |
| Hazard | Irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract |
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