Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Tetrahydrofuran, stabilized HPLC
Quantity/Pack Size – 4 L
Form – Liquid
Grade – HPLC
Application – High-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, solvent extraction
Product Overview
Tetrahydrofuran (THF), stabilized for HPLC applications, is a high-purity cyclic ether solvent engineered for demanding chromatographic and analytical workflows. This spectrophotometric-grade THF undergoes rigorous purification to achieve ≤0.03% water content and 99.9% minimum purity, ensuring minimal interference in UV-Vis detection and baseline stability. The stabilization process incorporates butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 250 ppm to prevent peroxide formation, extending shelf life without compromising performance. Its exceptionally low UV absorbance (≤0.05 at 254 nm) and residue-free evaporation make it ideal for gradient elution and sensitive detection methods. The solvent’s controlled acidity (≤0.005% as acetic acid) and alkalinity (≤0.001% as NH₃) prevent column degradation in reversed-phase and normal-phase separations. Packaged in amber glass bottles with PTFE-lined caps to minimize light exposure and contamination, this THF variant meets ACS and Reag. Ph. Eur specifications. Its low particulate count (<1 particle/mL ≥0.5 µm) ensures compatibility with UHPLC systems and protects delicate instrumentation from clogging.
FAQs
1. Why is this THF labeled as “stabilized” and how does it differ from unstabilized grades?
The stabilization refers to the addition of 250 ppm BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) to inhibit peroxide formation during storage. Unstabilized THF can form explosive peroxides over time when exposed to air or light, while this stabilized version remains safer for prolonged use without requiring frequent peroxide testing. The stabilizer doesn’t interfere with HPLC performance but significantly extends the solvent’s usable lifespan.
2. What’s the typical evaporation rate compared to other HPLC solvents like acetonitrile?
THF evaporates approximately 3 times faster than acetonitrile under standard lab conditions (20°C). Its boiling point of 66°C contributes to this rapid evaporation, which can be advantageous for sample concentration but requires careful handling to prevent volume loss during sample preparation. Always use tightly sealed vials when working with THF to maintain consistency in mobile phase compositions.
3. Can this THF be used with mass spectrometry detectors?
While this grade is optimized for UV detection, its low residual content makes it compatible with most LC-MS applications when used at concentrations below 20% in the mobile phase. However, the BHT stabilizer may produce a background signal at m/z 220 in ESI-MS. For dedicated MS applications, consider peroxide-free THF grades without added stabilizers to minimize interference.
4. How should I store opened bottles to maintain quality?
Store opened bottles in a dedicated solvent cabinet away from direct light and ignition sources. The amber glass bottle provides partial protection, but additional measures include: 1) Flushing the headspace with nitrogen before recapping, 2) Keeping the original PTFE-lined cap tightly sealed, and 3) Maintaining temperatures between 15-25°C. Under these conditions, the solvent remains stable for up to 12 months after opening, though we recommend periodic peroxide testing if stored beyond 6 months.
5. What’s the maximum recommended flow rate for this THF in UHPLC systems?
For most UHPLC systems, we recommend maintaining THF concentrations below 30% in the mobile phase and limiting flow rates to 0.6 mL/min to prevent excessive backpressure. THF’s viscosity (0.46 cP at 25°C) is lower than water but higher than acetonitrile, so gradient methods should account for potential pressure fluctuations. Always perform system suitability tests when introducing THF into existing methods, as its eluotropic strength may require adjustments to retention times.
