Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TETRAHYDROFURAN (THF)
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a heterocyclic organic compound, and is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity. It is mainly used as a precursor to polymers.
THF major use is as monomer of the Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG). PTMEG is a component of cast and thermoplastic urethane elastomers, polyurethane stretch fibers (Spandex), and high-performance Copolyester-Polyether elastomers (COPE). Tetrahydrofuran is also used as a solvent in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cements, pharmaceuticals and coatings, precision magnetic tape manufacture.
CONSER technology is based on the esterification of Maleic Anhydride with methanol, followed by hydrogenation of the resulting ester, and the consequent co-production of Tetrahydrofuran, Butanediol (BDO) and Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL). The process allows very high flexibility in the final products distribution, with the highest purity standards, and it can be well integrated with the upstream Maleic Anhydride technology.
CONSER process provides THF with the best purity grade, which is suitable for the downstream PTMEG production.
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