2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Outlook
The global 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market was estimated at USD 440.9 Million in 2021 and is anticipated to reach USD 877.9 Million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period.
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is a renewable solvent and its reactant is obtained from biomass by hydrogenation of products, which are derived from carbohydrate fractions of hemicellulose from various feedstocks. It is biodegradable, with a promising ecological/environmental footprint and good preliminary toxicity assessment, and it is easily recyclable.
2-MeTHF is a readily available, inexpensive, neoteric, and bio-based solvent. It is used in various chemical processes, such as batch manufacturing of fine chemicals, enzymatic polycondensation, and ring-opening polymerization. Addition of a methyl group at the 2-position intensely improves chemical stability to strongly basic organic alkaline reagents, allows reactions at elevated temperatures, and avoids or limits the use of toxic & flammable solvents such as diethyl ether.
Its physical and chemical properties, such as low miscibility with water, boiling point, and high stability, as compared to other cyclic solvents such as THF, make it suitable for applications in syntheses involving organometallics, organocatalysis, and biotransformation or for processing lignocellulosic materials.
2-MeTHF is an eco-friendly solvent, and is used for the extraction of bioactive components from natural sources. 2-MeTHF, with the molecular formula C5H10O, is a clear liquid that is obtained from renewable sources, such as corncobs and sugar cane bagasse.
Macro-economic Factors
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP across the globe declined, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Manufacturing units of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran are facing several challenges, due to the restrictions and limitations in the supply chain caused by the lockdown, thus leading to a substantial decrease in revenue. In the initial phase of the pandemic, companies manufacturing 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran faced difficulties, owing to the increasing risk of the supply of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran to the manufacturing industry.
R&D Activities
Research is required for the development of products. Companies in almost every industry rely on R&D to plan, design, and deliver innovative products; therefore, they focus on advancements and research trends in the 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market to fulfill the customer’s demand. Research activities are conducted to develop sustainable and eco-friendly 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran.
Product Demand & Supply
The supply and demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran are rising, due to its properties, such as it is cost-effectiveness and availability. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is widely used in textile, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. Demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran across end-use industries is increasing.
The bulk of the total production is consumed in the manufacturing industry. During the COVID-19 outbreak, a global lockdown was imposed, which disrupted the supply chain, caused a shutdown of manufacturing industries, and slowly decreased the demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran.
Export & Import
Many countries around the world are exporting and importing commodities, which is estimated to create opportunities for key players in the market. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is frequently used in various industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. Governments of many countries regulated their policies for the smooth import and export of products. These factors are expected to drive the demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran.
Supply Chain
The coronavirus pandemic revealed supply chain vulnerabilities and complexities of globalized supply chains and emphasized the importance of having a stable supply chain to nullify trade barricades. Restrictions imposed on transportation and imports across borders in various countries resulted in the shortage of raw materials.
Manufacturers are adopting different approaches to build robustness and resilience in the supply chains, primarily through mergers & acquisitions. Rising use of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran in the pharmaceutical industry is driving the market. The pandemic sparked logistical issues across the globe, with few workers working in the shipping and raw material processing industries. These factors contributed to a drop in the supply of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran.
2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Dynamics
Market Driver- Increasing use in Pharmaceutical Industry
Increasing use of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran in the pharmaceutical industry is driving the market. 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran is a green solvent used in the pharmaceutical industry for various organometallic catalyzed and biphasic reactions. It is frequently proposed as a sustainable alternative to tetrahydrofuran, due to its extraction efficiency and product recovery capabilities.
It is used as a solvent and as raw material in the synthesis of drugs such as primaquine phosphate and chloroquine phosphate. Additionally, it serves as a raw material for the pharmaceutical industry and is used in the synthesis of anti-hemorrhoidal drugs, such as Bricanyl Phosphate.
Market Driver- Biodegradable, Non-toxic, and Recyclable in Nature
2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2 MeTHF) is an important bio-gasoline fuel, high-end environmentally friendly solvent, and chemical intermediate. When used as a bio gasoline fuel, it is miscible with gasoline in any ratio and has excellent oxidation and vapor pressure properties.
2MeTHF has the advantage of being biodegradable with a promising ecological footprint, good preliminary toxicology assessments, and easy recycling, as it is derived from waste agricultural products. It is mainly used as a fuel additive and a substitute solvent for tetrahydrofuran (THF).
2-MeTHF is easy to dry and recycle, due to its rich azeotrope with water (10.6%) and ease of distillation at atmospheric pressure. The energy savings for 2-MeTHF recycling are approximately 70 percent as compared to THF.
Market Driver- Growing usage of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran over tetrahydrofuran
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is an ideal alternative to tetrahydrofuran (THF), due to its performance. Its physical and chemical properties make it suitable for applications in organometallic synthesis, organocatalysis, biotransformation, or processing of lignocellulosic materials. 2 Methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF) is proven to be a better solvent than methylene chloride.
2-MeTHF has been promoted as an ecologically friendly alternative to THF. It is obtained from renewable resources (such as furfural and levulinic acid) and is a promising alternative solvent for exploring environmentally friendly synthetic strategies.
2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is chosen as a gasoline substitute or blending component of gasoline, due to its favorable fuel properties such as hydrophobic nature, high energy density, low flammability, low toxicity, and high specific gravity. About 70% of MTHF is blended with gasoline.
Market Driver- Increasing Demand in Various Applications
2-MeTHF is mainly used as a solvent for resin, ethyl cellulose, natural rubber, and chloroacetic acid-vinyl acetate copolymer. It is an organic compound that holds great importance as a solvent. Its chemical and physical properties, such as its low miscibility with water, significant stability, and boiling point as compared to other cyclic-based solvents such as THF, make it suitable for use as a solvent and intermediate in various end-use sectors, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others.
Additionally, it is ideal for applications in syntheses involving organocatalysis, organometallics, and bio-transformations or for processing lignocellulosic materials. This is anticipated to surge the popularity of 2-MeTHF, thus, creating lucrative opportunities for the market players.
Market Restraint- Highly Flammable
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran is a highly flammable liquid and poses a dangerous fire hazard; therefore, it must be handled with caution in laboratories and industries. It is a reactive substance and poses a risk of ignition. Its vapors form explosive mixtures with air and form explosive peroxides.
2-MeOx has some drawbacks (flammability, potential peroxides formation); however, it is perfectly suited for large-scale industrial applications (pharmaceutical industry), and has strong odor. 2-MeOx is used for cosmetics extraction (COSMOS label) or pharmaceuticals. Its application as food/feed extraction solvent is under review in several territories and the first approvals are expected to be granted in 2021–2022.
Market Opportunity- Environmental Impacts of 2-Methyloxolane
2-MeOx offers a renewable alternative, reducing the requirement for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Biobased products, through petroleum displacement, play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate global climate change.
Compared to typically used solvents such as hexane, the evaluation showed that using 2-MeOx in an industrial scenario result in a 97% reduction in CO2 emissions. It is 100% produced from renewable biomass by hydrogenation of carbohydrate fractions, obtained by acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose from various feedstock. It is mainly used as a solvent for chemical reactions as a green alternative to tetrahydrofuran (THF).
2-MeOx is an environmentally and economically viable alternative to conventional petroleum-based solvents for the extraction of lipophilic foodstuff and natural products. This is expected to increase the popularity of 2-MeTHF and create lucrative market opportunities.
Market Opportunity- Low Emissions
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) is a biomass-derived chemical. Use of 2 methyl tetrahydrofuran in industries results in a 97% reduction in emissions when compared to typically used solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, made through a conventional chemical route. Greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector contribute to anthropogenic climate change.
The use of alternative fuels is an efficient strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from transportation facilities. Among various fuels, 2-MeTHF has received a lot of attention, due to its renewable and eco-friendly properties. 2-MTHF has been proposed as a low-cost alternative transportation fuel, leading to reduced emissions.
Scope of 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Report
The report on the global 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
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Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2021
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Historic Data
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2015 and 2020
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Forecast Period
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2022–2030
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Segmentation
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Purity (Less Than 99% and 99% & Above), Application (extraction of carotenoids, extraction of aromas/synthesis of spices, automotive fuel additive, organometallic reagents, and others)
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Regional Scope
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North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered
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Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Pennakem, LLC, Hongye Holding Group Corporation Limited, Manas Petro Chem, Monument Chemical, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (TCI), Oakwood Products, Inc., Central Drug House, Honeywell International Inc., Polysciences Inc, and Thermo Scientific Chemicals
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2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Segmental Outlook
On the basis of purity, the global 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market is segmented into less than 99% and 99% & above. Chemicals and reagents are essential in the production and testing of medical devices, biologics, pharmaceuticals, tissue, and cell-based products, and other healthcare-related solutions.
Researchers and laboratories who use chemicals and reagents depend on chemical producers to correctly identify the grades of each chemical and verify that the chemicals meet all regulatory and compliance standards for their intended usage. The less than 99% segment is expected to expand at a substantial growth rate during the forecast period.
The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran with purity of less than 99% in the food and pharmaceuticals industries. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is available in various purity grades and it is used as a solvent for the extraction of carotenoids and aromas. Increasing demand for medicine has raised the demand for specific grades, such as less than 99%.
The 99% & above segment is expected to hold significant market share in 2030. Demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran with a purity of 99% & above in laboratories and for research purposes is growing at a fast pace. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran with a purity of 99% & above is known as a high-quality chemical grade; however, the specific impurities are unknown. It is pure enough for educational purposes; however, it does not fulfill the purity requirements for food or medicine usage.
On the basis of application, the global 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market is segmented into the extraction of carotenoids, extraction of aromas/synthesis of spices, automotive fuel additive, organometallic reagents, and others. The extraction of carotenoids segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate during the forecast period.
Carotenoids from various food sources, especially fruits, and vegetables, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy diet. Carotenoids have been linked to a low risk of numerous diseases, including cancer, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
The extraction of aromas/synthesis of spices segment held XX% market share in 2021. Increased consumption of aromas in the cosmetics and toiletries, soaps and detergents, and food and beverages industries is increasing the demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran.
Extraction of aromas is a popular application of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, and its application scope expands across key end-use industries such as fine perfumes, cosmetics and toiletries, convenience foods, bakery goods, and confectionery. Flavors are a significant aspect of edible items.
Aroma compounds are used to enhance flavor in beverages and processed foods. The growth of the segment is attributed to the suitability of natural aromas in a broad range of applications and technological innovations. The automotive fuel additive segment is expected to expand at a significant growth during the forecast period, due to increased demand for upgraded and improved items from the automotive and other end-use sectors.
Additionally, supportive government laws and increased public awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions are expected to contribute to the growth of the segment. The automotive fuel additive segment is anticipated to grow rapidly, due to the rising demand for fuel from various industries.
The organometallic reagents segment held a significant market share in 2021. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is used as a solvent in organometallic reagents. Grignard reagent is a class of organometallic reagents. Increasing use of grignard reagents in medicine is driving the market. The others segment includes lithium-ion batteries, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and natural rubber. The others segment held 14.6% of the market share in 2021.
Increasing demand for lithium batteries in electric vehicles is driving the demand for 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran. Developments in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing contribute to the growth of the market. Government regulations that favor API development, as well as changes in geopolitical conditions, are driving the market.
2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Regional Outlook
On the basis of region, the global 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
Asia Pacific accounted for huge share of the global market in 2021. Asia Pacific is a major producer and exporter of spices. The region accounts for the largest population in the world and registers high demand for spices. A majority of spices and herbs are grown in nations such as India, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, which are the largest exporters of spices.
North America held significant share of the global market in 2021, due to the changing lifestyle habits, high demand for nutritional & vitamin-containing foods, and rising manufacture of automotive in the region. High government investments in R&D and the presence of robust chemical manufacturing facilities in the country are expected to provide opportunities for market expansion.
The market in Europe is anticipated to see a significant growth during the forecast period. Europe is the largest exporter of carotenoids globally. The presence of a large animal feed sector and the well-established cosmetics industry are driving the market in the region. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran is used as an electrolytic solution in lithium batteries. The market in Germany is anticipated to grow, due to the rising usage of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
The market in the Middle East & Africa and Latin America is projected to expand at a significant growth respectively during the forecast period, owing to the expansion of the automotive and construction sectors in Brazil, and high use of fuel additives in these sectors.
The market in the Middle East & Africa is projected to register significant growth, as governments are launching big construction projects and cities are expanding on a large scale. As a result, industrial and construction power tools that employ Li-ion batteries are in high demand.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders
- In-depth Analysis of the Global 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market
- Historical, Current, and Projected Market Size in terms of Value
- Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
- Industry Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Covered in the Study
- Recent Industry Trends and Developments
- Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
- Neutral Perspective on Global 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Market Performance
Segments
By Purity
- Less Than 99%
- 99% & Above
By Application
- Organometallic Reagents
- Extraction of Carotenoids
- Extraction of Aromas/synthesis of spices
- Automotive Fuel Additive
- Others
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Key Market Players Profiled in the Report
Competitive Landscape
- Manufacturers operating in the global 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran market include Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Pennakem, LLC, Hongye Holding Group Corporation Limited, Manas Petro Chem, Monument Chemical, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (TCI), Oakwood Products, Inc., Central Drug House, Honeywell International Inc., Polysciences Inc, and Thermo Scientific Chemicals are among the few players that hold a small share of the global 2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran market. Market players are pursuing key strategies such as acquisitions, collaborations, and geographic expansion to increase their market share.
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