Furfuryl Alcohol (FA), with the CAS number 98-00-0, is a significant bio-based chemical platform molecule with a wide range of industrial applications. This organic compound, appearing as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, serves as a fundamental building block in the production of various resins, solvents, and fuel components, playing an important role in the global shift toward sustainable chemical feedstocks.
Chemical Profile and Production
Furfuryl alcohol, also known as 2-furanmethanol or 2-hydroxymethylfuran, has the molecular formula C5H6O2 and a molecular weight of 98.10. It exhibits a density of approximately 1.135 g/cm³ and boils at 170°C, with a flash point of 65°C. This compound is miscible with water and soluble in various organic solvents including ethanol, ether, acetone, and ethyl acetate.
The production of furfuryl alcohol primarily occurs through the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural, which is itself derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Industrial production methods include:
- Liquid-phase hydrogenation: Employing copper-chromium-calcium catalysts at medium pressure (5-8 MPa) and temperatures of 190-210°C.
- Vapor-phase hydrogenation: A method that operates at lower temperatures with higher selectivity and reduced chromium pollution.
- The Cannizzaro reaction: An alternative process that doesn’t require hydrogen, where furfural reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce equal parts furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid.
China has established itself as a major producer and exporter of furfuryl alcohol, with an annual design capacity reaching 400,000 tons and actual production between 230,000-250,000 tons. Approximately 70-80% of this production supplies domestic markets, while 20-30% is exported to countries including Japan, South Korea, Belgium, and Germany.
Industrial Applications and Uses
Resins and Polymers
Furfuryl alcohol serves as a key monomer for synthesizing furan resins, which are extensively used in thermal setting polymer matrix composites, cement, adhesives, coatings, and foundry resins. These resins demonstrate excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability, making them valuable in the manufacturing of corrosion-resistant equipment and construction materials.
Recent innovations include modified furan resins for foundry applications, where approaches such as incorporating cellulose-derived compounds and cashew nut shell liquid have been developed to reduce free formaldehyde and phenol content while maintaining performance. Additionally, the production of low-free phenol modified furan resins for casting applications helps prevent nitrogen porosity defects while reducing irritating gas emissions during the casting process.
Energy and Fuel Applications
The role of furfuryl alcohol extends to the energy sector, where it functions as a rocket fuel component and solvent for fuels. Recent research advances have demonstrated its potential in sustainable aviation fuel production. A team at Tianjin University developed a innovative approach using molecular sieve-catalyzed controllable oligomerization of furfuryl alcohol, achieving a 41.4% yield of C9-C15 aviation fuel components through a reaction-extraction strategy.
This technology addresses the challenge of excessive polymerization traditionally associated with acid catalysis by precisely controlling the polymerization pathway with hydrophilic molecular sieves, effectively intercepting C9-C15 intermediates that can be further processed via hydrodeoxygenation to produce chain alkanes suitable as bio-aviation fuel components.
Solvent and Plasticizer Applications
Furfuryl alcohol serves as an effective solvent for various substances including furan resins, varnishes, and pigments. When used in plasticizer production, it creates products with superior cold resistance compared to those derived from butanol and octanol esters. Its ability to dissolve natural resins, cellulose esters, polyvinyl acetate, and polymethyl methacrylate makes it a versatile solvent in formulation chemistry.
Specialty Chemical Synthesis
As a versatile chemical intermediate, furfuryl alcohol is used in producing acetyl levulinic acid (also known as fruit acid), which serves as an intermediate in nutritional medicine such as calcium levulinate. It also finds application in the synthesis of fibers, rubber, pesticides, and the casting industry.
In the flavor and fragrance industry, furfuryl alcohol is permitted as a food flavoring agent according to GB 2761-1997, primarily used for formulating caramel-type flavors. The FDA also approves it as a non-direct food additive in adhesives.
Storage and Safety Considerations
Proper handling and storage of furfuryl alcohol are essential due to its chemical characteristics. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, sealed to protect from light and exposure to air, which causes it to turn brown or deep red. Storage containers made of iron, mild steel, or aluminum are appropriate, but strong acids must be avoided as contact can lead to violent polymerization and potential explosion.
Furfuryl alcohol is classified as harmful, with a rat oral LD50 of 275 mg/kg. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed it as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used during handling, and adequate ventilation must be maintained to prevent vapor accumulation.
Market Position and Future Outlook
As an important bio-based chemical, furfuryl alcohol continues to find new applications in sustainable technologies. Research into its production through thermal and electrocatalytic reduction of furfural offers promising avenues for more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis methods.
The ongoing revision of industrial standards for furfuryl alcohol, which aims to integrate and optimize previous standards while updating testing methodologies, reflects its continuing industrial importance. The simultaneous development of an English version of the standard addresses international trade requirements, acknowledging China’s role as a major global producer and exporter.
With its diverse applications spanning multiple industries and its foundation in renewable biomass resources, furfuryl alcohol maintains its position as a valuable chemical intermediate supporting various sectors of the modern chemical industry.
Post time: Oct-15-2025