2-Methyltetrahydrofuran: Main Properties, Production Processes, and Application in Extraction of Natural Products

Abstract

2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) is a solvent produced from renewable raw materials by the hydrogenation of products obtained from carbohydrate fractions of hemicellulose from various feedstocks. MeTHF has the advantages to be biodegradable and has a promising environmental footprint, good preliminary toxicology assessments, and an easy recycling. An experimental study was conducted with MeTHF, in comparison to n-hexane, for the extraction of carotenoids and aromas. In parallel to this experimental study, a HSP (Hansen solubility parameters) theoretical study has been realized for the evaluation and the understanding of the interactions between the solvent and different compounds such as triglycerides contained in canola oil, carotenoids, and aromas. The results of these studies show that MeTHF appears to be a potential alternative solvent to n-hexane for the extraction of various products.