Furfural (C5H4O2): Naturally Occurring Organic Compound And Safe Chemical

Posted by Geeta on March 16th, 2021

Furfural(C₅H₄O₂) is a naturally occurring organic compound that appears as colorless or reddish-brown mobile liquid. It can also be obtained with synthetic processes. Thermal degradation of 5-HMF at high temperatures and degradation of pentose can be used to produce furfural. Hemicellulose can also be used in the production of furfural instead of ethanol production. It has a role as a Maillard reaction product and a metabolite.

Furfuralhas a penetrating odor that resembles benzaldehyde and should not be ingested, inhaled, or applied on the skin as it has the capacity to adversely impact the respiratory system, nervous system, liver, and kidneys. 260 ppm (duration of exposure undefined) of C₅H₄O₂ causes no fatal reactions in animals. In humans, exposure to concentrations ranging from 5 to 16 ppm has demonstrated to cause widespread eye and respiratory tract irritation whereas exposure to concentrations ranging from 1.9 to 14 ppm may lead to headaches, itching of the throat, and red and weeping eyes.

Furfural is generally recognized as a safe chemical. It is used as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in the food and beverages sector and in industrial manufacturing, fragrance in personal care products, and in pesticide. C₅H₄O₂ is found in fruit juices, coffee, wine, essential oils, foods, and cosmetic products. Other applications include, oil refining, as a bonding agent in grinding and abrasive wheels, in pharmaceuticals, and the manufacture of phenolic resins. C₅H₄O₂ is the sole precursor for all compounds containing a furyl, furfuryl, furoyl, or furfurylidene radical in the chemical industry.

Read More@ http://bit.ly/3eFImj7