Furfural price index

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Furfural price index

This post is a summary of Furfural developments. The price developments of Furfural are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Furfural price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Furfural prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Furfural prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Furfural
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Furfural prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Furfural market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Furfural​ price index

What is Furfural

Furfural is an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H4O2. It is a heterocyclic aldehyde derived from various agricultural byproducts, particularly those containing pentosans, such as corncobs, oat hulls, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse. Furfural is produced through the acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars present in these biomass materials.

Furfural is a colorless to yellowish oily liquid with a characteristic almond-like odor. It is soluble in organic solvents and has a boiling point of around 161.7°C.

Furfural is an important industrial chemical with various applications, including:

Chemical Intermediate

Furfural is used as a precursor in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofuran, and various furan derivatives. These compounds find applications in the production of resins, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.

Solvent

Furfural is used as a solvent in various industries, including petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, and the extraction of lubricating oils.

Biocide

Furfural has biocidal properties and is used as a disinfectant and preservative in certain industrial applications.

Flavoring Agent

In trace amounts, furfural can contribute to the flavor and aroma of certain foods and beverages, including baked goods and coffee.

Fuel Additive

Furfural can be converted into biofuels or used as an additive to improve the properties of conventional fuels.

Due to its diverse applications and renewable sourcing from biomass, furfural plays a significant role in the sustainable development of chemical industries. However, it’s worth noting that exposure to high concentrations of furfural vapor or liquid can be harmful, and appropriate safety precautions should be taken during its handling and use.

How is Furfural produced

Furfural is typically produced from agricultural biomass, particularly materials rich in pentosans, such as corncobs, oat hulls, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse. The production process involves several steps, with the primary method being acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars. Here’s a general outline of the furfural production process:

Preparation of Biomass

The biomass feedstock, such as corncobs or sugarcane bagasse, is first prepared by shredding or grinding it into small pieces. This increases the surface area available for subsequent processing steps.

Pretreatment

In some cases, the biomass may undergo pretreatment to make the pentose sugars more accessible. This can involve processes such as soaking, steam explosion, or acid hydrolysis to break down the complex polysaccharides into simpler sugars.

Acid Hydrolysis

The pretreated biomass is then subjected to acid hydrolysis, typically using dilute sulfuric acid. This step breaks down the cellulose and hemicellulose components of the biomass into their constituent sugars, including pentoses such as xylose and arabinose.

Dehydration

The pentose sugars obtained from the acid hydrolysis are then dehydrated in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, at elevated temperatures (usually around 160-200°C). This dehydration reaction converts the pentose sugars into furfural and other byproducts.

Separation and Purification

The furfural, along with water and other byproducts, is separated from the reaction mixture. This separation is typically achieved through distillation or extraction processes. Water is removed to concentrate the furfural, and impurities are removed to obtain a purified product.

Recovery of Byproducts

Any byproducts generated during the furfural production process, such as levulinic acid or formic acid, may be recovered and used or further processed for additional value.

Final Processing

The purified furfural may undergo additional processing steps, such as filtration or drying, to obtain the desired product specifications.

Overall, the production of furfural from biomass involves a series of chemical and separation processes, with the acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars being the key step in converting biomass into furfural.

What are the applications of properties of Furfural

The properties of furfural lend themselves to various applications across different industries. Here are some of the key applications based on its properties:

Chemical Intermediate

Furfural is a versatile chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of numerous compounds. It can be converted into furfuryl alcohol, which is a precursor for resins and polymers used in foundry sand binders, abrasives, and adhesives. Furfural can also undergo hydrogenation to produce tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, which is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and as a solvent in the production of resins.

Solvent

Furfural’s ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds makes it valuable as a solvent in various industrial processes. It is used in the refining of lubricating oils, extraction of aromatics from petroleum fractions, and production of certain chemicals.

Biocide

Furfural exhibits biocidal properties and is used as a disinfectant and preservative in industrial applications such as oilfield operations, water treatment, and preservation of wood and textiles.

Flavoring Agent

In trace amounts, furfural contributes to the flavor and aroma of certain foods and beverages. It is naturally present in foods such as baked goods, coffee, and whiskey, providing characteristic nutty, caramel-like notes.

Fuel Additive

Furfural can be converted into biofuels or used as an additive to improve the properties of conventional fuels. Its high energy density and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure make it a potential candidate for renewable fuel applications.

Chemical Derivatives

Furfural can be further chemically modified to produce a variety of derivatives with specific properties and applications. These derivatives include furan resins, furan polymers, furan dicarboxylic acid, and furan-based pharmaceuticals.

Agricultural Applications

Furfural and its derivatives have applications in agriculture as soil fumigants, pesticides, and growth regulators.

Research and Development

Furfural and its derivatives are also used in research and development activities, particularly in organic synthesis and material science, due to their unique chemical properties and reactivity.

Overall, the diverse properties of furfural make it a valuable chemical in various industries, contributing to applications ranging from chemical synthesis to food flavoring and renewable energy.

How big is the global Furfural market

The global furfural market size was estimated to be around USD 440 million in 2021. However, market sizes can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as changes in demand, production capacity, regulatory environments, and economic conditions.

The furfural market is influenced by its wide range of applications across industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food and beverage, and others. Additionally, increasing awareness about sustainability and the growing interest in renewable chemicals have also contributed to the growth of the furfural market.

According to https://oec.world/en:

In 2021 2-furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) were the world’s 4114th most traded product (out of 4,641).

In 2021, the top exporters of 2-furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) were China ($29.5M), Dominican Republic ($20.8M), South Africa ($17M), Netherlands ($11M), and Israel ($6.49M).

In 2021, the top importers of 2-furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) were Belgium ($35M), United States ($23M), Netherlands ($13.9M), Japan ($4.17M), and Brazil ($3.67M).