What is a Furan (chemical formula: C₄H₄O) ?

Furan (chemical formula: C₄H₄O) is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound consisting of a five-membered ring with one oxygen atom and four carbon atoms. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a boiling point of around 31°C and an ether-like odor. Furan is widely used in organic synthesis, particularly as a starting material or intermediate for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fragrances. Derivatives of furan are also found in nature and form parts of important biological molecules such as vitamins and antibiotics.

Furan can be formed during the heating of food, especially through high-temperature cooking methods or canning. It has attracted attention because of its potential carcinogenicity, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as Group 2B, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

In addition to organic synthesis, furan is used in the development of high-performance polymers, such as polyfurans, in materials science and engineering.

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