Tetrahydrofuran (THF)  is a colorless, volatile liquid with an ethereal or acetonelike smell and is miscible in water and most organic solvents.It is highly flammable and may thermally decompose to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Prolonged storage in contact with air and in the absence of an antioxidant may cause THF to decompose into explosive peroxides.

Tetrahydrofuran is used in the manufacture of polymers as well as agricultural, pharmaceutical, and commodity chemicals. Manufacturing activities commonly occur in closed systems or under engineering controls that limit worker exposure and release to the environment. THF is also used as a solvent (e.g., pipe fitting) that may result in more significant exposures when used in confined spaces without sufficient ventilation. Although THF is naturally present in coffee aroma, floured chickpeas, and cooked chicken, natural exposures are not anticipated to pose a significant hazard.