Furfural

Furfural, also known as furancarboxaldehyde, is an important bio-based platform chemical produced by hydrolyzing and dehydrating agricultural and forestry waste, such as corn cobs and bagasse. It is a key product for the high-value utilization of renewable carbon resources.

Basic Product Information

Product Applications

Furfural is chemically reactive and can be used to produce numerous derivatives through reactions such as oxidation, reduction, and condensation. More than 1,600 chemical products are derived directly or indirectly from furfural.

I. Resin and Foundry Industries

Furfural is a key raw material for the production of furan resins. Hydrogenation of furfural produces furfuryl alcohol, the main raw material used to manufacture furan resins. These resins offer excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties, and are widely used in the molding processes for steel, aluminum, and iron casting to effectively improve casting quality and precision. Furfural can also replace formaldehyde in condensation reactions with phenol to produce phenolic resins.

II. Petroleum Refining

Furfural is an excellent selective solvent used in lubricating oil refining and diesel extraction. It selectively removes impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen, as well as unsaturated components, from petroleum to improve oil quality.

III. Pharmaceutical Industry

Furfural is an important raw material for synthesizing various pharmaceutical intermediates. It can be used to produce antibacterial and antimalarial drugs, among others, and is also a key precursor for producing 1,6-hexanediamine, a raw material for nylon 66.

IV. Pesticides, Flavors, and Fragrances

Furfural can be used in pesticide production, and its derivatives have strong fungicidal properties. In the flavor and fragrance industry, further processing of furfural can produce various flavorings and fragrances for food and personal care products.

V. Organic Solvents

Furfural can be used as a solvent to dissolve natural products such as fats and waxes. It is also widely used in the food and dye industries.

VI. Emerging Fields (New Energy and Apparel)

Biofuels: Furfural can be used to produce liquid fuel additives such as 2-methylfuran and furfuryl alcohol. Furfuryl alcohol is also known as a next-generation “super fuel” and can be used in aerospace propellants.

Sustainable apparel: Furfural can be used to produce bio-based spandex with good elasticity and biodegradability, for products such as underwear, sportswear, and medical bandages.

Biodegradable materials: The furfural derivative furan dicarboxylic acid is a key monomer for biodegradable polyester materials.  

Product Specifications (Reference: GB/T 1926.1-2009)

Packaging and Storage

Packaging: 240 kg or 250 kg per new steel drum, or 20–26 tonnes per ISO tank

Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Keep away from ignition sources. Do not store or transport together with strongly acidic or strongly oxidizing chemicals. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.