Tetrahydrofuran (Thf); Refractive Indices Of Common Solvents - Waters ACQUITY Refractive Index Detector Overview And Maintenance Manual

Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

When you use unstabilized THF, ensure that it is fresh. Previously opened
containers of THF contain peroxide contaminants, which cause baseline drift.
Warning:
(peroxides) in THF, do not evaporate or otherwise concentrate THF to a
state approaching dessication.

Refractive indices of common solvents

The following table lists the refractive indices for some common
chromatographic solvents. Consulting this table, verify that the solvent you
intend to use for an analysis has an RI significantly different from the sample
components.
Refractive indices of common solvents:
Solvent
Fluoroalkanes
Hexafluoroisopropanol
(HFIP)
Methanol
Water
Acetonitrile
Ethyl ether
n-Pentane
Acetone
Ethanol
Methyl acetate
Isopropyl ether
Ethyl acetate
1-Pentene
Acetic acid
To avoid an explosion caused by unstable contaminants
RI
1.25
1.2752
1.329
1.33
1.344
1.353
1.358
1.359
1.361
1.362
1.368
1.370
1.371
1.372
Solvent
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
Amyl alcohol
Diisobutylene
n-Decane
Amyl chloride
Dioxane
Ethyl bromide
Methylene chloride
Cyclohexane
Ethylene glycol
N,N-dimethyl
formamide (DMF)
N,N-dimethyl acetamide
(DMAC)
Ethyl sulfide
Chloroform
October 13, 2014, 715003547 Rev. C
Selecting a solvent
RI
1.408
1.410
1.411
1.412
1.413
1.422
1.424
1.424
1.427
1.427
1.428
1.438
1.442
1.443
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