What is a Furfural?

Furfural is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₅H₄O₂, belonging to the class of aromatic aldehydes. Its structure consists of a furan ring (a five-membered ring containing four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom) with an aldehyde group (-CHO) attached. It exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature and has a characteristic odor. Furfural is naturally occurring and can be extracted from agricultural by-products, particularly from wood and crop residues. Furfural is highly reactive chemically and has various applications. It is primarily used as an intermediate in organic synthesis for the production of other chemicals and compounds. It is widely used in the production of solvents, pesticides, perfumes, and flavoring agents. Additionally, furfural serves as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. Its applications extend to the fuel and chemical industries.

Furfural is also used as a key raw material in the pharmaceutical, plastics, and rubber industries. Being derived from natural sources, particularly agricultural waste and wood, it is considered a renewable resource, which makes it an attractive chemical for sustainable production processes. However, furfural should be handled with care due to its potential toxicity. It can cause skin and eye irritation, so protective equipment should be worn during its use.

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