polytetrahydrofuran
{{chembox
| Verifiedfields = changed
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 464210327
| Name = Poly(tetrahydrofuran)
| ImageFile = Poly-thf.svg
| OtherNames = Poly(tetrahydrofuran), PolyTHF, polytetramethylene ether glycol, PTMEG, Terathane
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| CASNo = 25190-06-1
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|changed|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = none
}}
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
| Formula = (C4H8O)n
| MolarMass = variable
| Appearance = white, waxy-like
| Density = 0.982 g/cm3 (30 °C)
| MeltingPtC = 23 to 28
| MeltingPt_notes =
}}
}}
Polytetrahydrofuran, also called poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol or poly(tetramethylene oxide), is a collection of chemical compounds with formula {{chem2|HO(CH2)4O(CH2)4)_{n}OH}} 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.
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{{cite web|url=http://terathane.invista.com/e-trolley/page_10759/index.html|title=Physical properties for the range of Terathane PTMEG polymers|accessdate=2007-09-06|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825201959/http://terathane.invista.com/e-trolley/page_10759/index.html|archivedate=2007-08-25}} and PolyTHF from BASF.{{cite web |url=http://www.intermediates.basf.com|title=BASF Intermediates|accessdate=2008-08-22}} The BASF plant in Ludwigshafen at one point was producing 250,000 metric tons per year.{{cite web
| title = BASF: Global Player and Local Presence
| url = http://www.intermediates.basf.com/chemicals/spandex/global-player
| accessdate = 2012-09-07
}}
Applications
File:Container 【 22T6 】 CCRU 164132(1) 【 Pictures taken in Japan 】.jpg
The main use of polytetrahydrofuran is to make elastic fibres such as spandex (elastane) for stretchable fabrics and for polyurethane resins. The latter are polyurethane prepolymers dissolved in solvent.Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals, third edition, 2011, page 7587 They are used in the manufacture of artificial leather. These elastomers are either polyurethanes made by reacting PTMEG with diisocyanates, or polyesters made by reacting PTMEG with diacids or their derivatives.{{cite web|url=http://terathane.invista.com/e-trolley/page_10324/index.html|title=Uses of PTMEG polyols|accessdate=2007-09-06|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827021423/http://terathane.invista.com/e-trolley/page_10324/index.html|archivedate=2007-08-27}}
The polymer is also a starting material for thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide and cast polyurethane elastomers, used for instance in the wheels of roller skates and skateboards.
Synthesis
{{See also|Heteropoly acid}}
Polytetrahydrofuran is commonly prepared by acid-catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrofuran:{{cite encyclopedia |year=1996 |title =Polyethers, Tetrahydrofuran and Oxetane Polymers |first1=Gerfried |last1=Pruckmayr |first2= P. |last2=Dreyfuss |first3= M. P. |last3=Dreyfuss |encyclopedia=Kirk‑Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology |publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc |location= |id= }}
:{{chem2|nC4H8O + H2O -> HO(CH2)4[O(CH2)4]_{n-1}OH}}
Regulation
Polytetrahyrofuran polyethylene glycol can be controlled for export from the U.S. under the Export Administration Regulations on the [https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/federal-register-notices-1/937-ccl1-3/file Commerce Control List] and/or on export control regulations based on the [https://www.wassenaar.org/control-lists/ Wassenaar Arrangement] (ECCN: 1C111.b.5). Under these regulations export/transfer of the product may require a license or export authorization.