Polytetrahydrofuran
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Polytetrahydrofuran, also called poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol or poly(tetramethylene oxide), is a collection of chemical compounds with formula HO(CH2)4O(CH2)4)nOH or HO((CH2)4O-)n-H. The material is a mixture of polyether diols terminated with alcohol groups. It is produced by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran as well as 1,4-butanediol.
Names | |
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Other names
Poly(tetrahydrofuran), PolyTHF, polytetramethylene ether glycol, PTMEG, Terathane | |
Identifiers | |
ChemSpider |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.131.584 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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Properties | |
(C4H8O)n | |
Molar mass | variable |
Appearance | white, waxy-like |
Density | 0.982 g/cm3 (30 °C) |
Melting point | 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F; 296 to 301 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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The product is commercially available as polymers of low average molecular weights, between 250 and 3000 daltons. In this form it is a white waxy solid that melts between 20 and 30 °C. The commercial product can be processed further into polymers with molecular weights of 40,000 and higher.
The product is sold under various trade names including Terathane from Invista[1] and PolyTHF from BASF.[2] The BASF plant in Ludwigshafen at one point was producing 250,000 metric tons per year.[3]