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2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran (2‐MeTHF): A Biomass‐Derived Solvent with Broad Application in Organic Chemistry
Author(s) -
Pace Vittorio,
Hoyos Pilar,
Castoldi Laura,
Domínguez de María Pablo,
Alcántara Andrés R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201100780
Subject(s) - levulinic acid , chemistry , furfural , tetrahydrofuran , solvent , boiling point , organic chemistry , green chemistry , miscibility , organocatalysis , biochemical engineering , catalysis , reaction mechanism , polymer , enantioselective synthesis , engineering
2‐Methyl‐tetrahydrofuran (2‐MeTHF) can be derived from renewable resources (e.g., furfural or levulinic acid) and is a promising alternative solvent in the search for environmentally benign synthesis strategies. Its physical and chemical properties, such as its low miscibility with water, boiling point, remarkable stability compared to other cyclic‐based solvents such as THF, and others make it appealing for applications in syntheses involving organometallics, organocatalysis, and biotransformations or for processing lignocellulosic materials. Interestingly, a significant number of industries have also started to assess 2‐MeTHF in several synthetic procedures, often with excellent results and prospects. Likewise, preliminary toxicology assessments suggest that the use of 2‐MeTHF might even be extended to more processes in pharmaceutical chemistry. This Minireview describes the properties of 2‐MeTHF, the state‐of‐the‐art of its use in synthesis, and covers several outstanding examples of its application from both industry and academia.