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Tetrahydrofuran: A century of technological evolution from synthesis process to industrial application——Focusing on the comparison of mainstream processes such as furfural process, maleic anhydride hydrogenation process, BDO dehydration process, and analyzing the trend of domestic substitution
Created on 2025.03.19
Tetrahydrofuran: A century of technological evolution from synthesis process to industrial application
1. Introduction
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a "universal solvent" and the core raw material of polytetrahydrofuran (PTMEG). Its synthesis process has undergone a century of iteration. From the early furfural method that relied on biomass raw materials, to the petrochemical-driven BDO dehydration method, to the green and low-carbon-oriented maleic anhydride hydrogenation method, technological innovation has always revolved around efficiency improvement, pollution control and cost optimization. This article will focus on the three major processes - furfural method, maleic anhydride hydrogenation method, and BDO dehydration method, compare their technical characteristics and industrial applicability, and analyze China's trend of domestic substitution in the THF industry chain.
2. Technological evolution and comparison of mainstream processes
1. Furfural method: the rise and fall of the bio-based route
- Process Principle
1
3
7
- Technical Features: 1 ton of THF consumes 3 tons of furfural
1
3
- Industry status Highly polluting raw materials Regional restrictions
3
7
2. Maleic anhydride hydrogenation method: a breakthrough in low-carbon transformation
- Process Principle
4
8
- Technological breakthrough
- One-step innovation, 100% one-way conversion rate
4
9
- Advantages
8
12
3. BDO dehydration method: the backbone of large-scale production
- Treatment of waste acid from corrosion of traditional process equipment
1
10
- Technology Upgrade
- Solid acid replacement
10
12
12
13
- Industry status
12
13
3. Domestic Substitution Trends and Challenges
1. Breakthrough in technological autonomy
- Domestic substitution of catalysts
- Maleic anhydride hydrogenation catalysts have shifted from relying on BASF and Mitsubishi Chemical to Cu-Zn composite systems developed by domestic companies such as Sinopec Synthetic Oil
4
12
10
- Technology package integration
9
12
2. Collaborative upgrading of the industrial chain
- Raw material matching
- Expansion of coal-based BDO production capacity (such as Xinjiang Tianye and Henan Energy), reducing reliance on petroleum-based BDO;
- Maleic anhydride raw materials extend to bio-based (such as straw-based maleic anhydride), which is in line with the "dual carbon" goal
12
13
- Downstream extension, high-end specialization
13
3. Challenges and Countermeasures
- Environmental constraints
12
13
- International competition patent barriers high-end PTMEG products special THF solvent
13
14
4. Future Technology Direction
- Biosynthetic pathway
12
- AI process optimization
- Circular Economy Model
13
14
V. Conclusion
From bio-based exploration to petrochemical dominance, and then to green chemical innovation, the century-long evolution of THF synthesis technology confirms the dual pursuit of "efficiency and sustainability" in industrial technology. Relying on large-scale production capacity and process innovation, China is transforming from a "follower" to a "leader", and the ultimate goal of domestic substitution is to build an independent, controllable, low-carbon and efficient THF full industry chain ecosystem.
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