Tetrahydrofuran is a heterocyclic organic compound with the molecular formula C4H8O. Tetrahydrofuran belongs to ethers and is the complete hydrogenation product of furan. It is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with small viscosity at normal temperature and pressure. Because of its long liquid range, it is a commonly used medium polar aprotic solvent. Its main use is as a precursor of high molecular polymers.
Tetrahydrothiophene is a sulfur-containing saturated heterocyclic compound obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of thiophene. After thiophene is reduced to tetrahydrothiophene, it no longer has a conjugated system and aromaticity. Therefore, tetrahydrothiophene shows the properties of general thioethers. Easily oxidized to sulfoxides and sulfones. Tetrahydrothiophene can be used as a raw material for the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and photochemicals.