ADVERTORIAL
Two decades, one vision: 2MeTHF, the greener solution
Celebrating 20 years of innovation, collaboration, and greener chemistry solutions with IMCD and QQChem
Over 20 years ago, Jiangsu Qingquan Chemical, better known as QQChem, set out to challenge petrochemical norms by developing a renewable solvent from agricultural waste. The result was 2-methyltetrahydrofuran( 2MeTHF), derived from furfural, long before‘ green chemistry’ became an industry buzzword.
In 2005, IMCD recognised the potential and partnered with QQChem. What began as a shared commitment to innovation has grown into a trusted, global partnership that continues to redefine how the pharmaceutical industry approaches sustainability.
Today, 2MeTHF is one of the most widely used greener solvents for organic synthesis. Its circular renewable origin, low carbon footprint and superior processing characteristics make it a standout alternative to petrochemicals:
• Superior phase separation from water simplifies post-reaction work-up
• Higher boiling point than THF enables faster reactions
• Improved yields in selected reactions, boosting both efficiency and sustainability
• Safe classification: non-toxic, nonmutagenic and non-genotoxic
Applications range from use in organometallic reactions such as Grignard couplings and lithiations, to cross-coupling chemistries, and more recently as a critical component in binary blends for solid-phase peptide synthesis( SPPS) and Molecular Hive technologies.
A major milestone came in 2022, when 2MeTHF was listed in ICH Q3 as a Class 3 solvent. This classification opens the door for 2MeTHF to be used in every stage of API production, including final drug synthesis.
The QQChem & IMCD journey
With two production sites in China and a robust, secure supply chain for furfural, QQChem has established itself as a leader in 2MeTHF and furan derivatives. The company has developed multiple grades, including a tocopherol-stabilised( Vitamin E) grade requested by the flavours and fragrance industry and an ultra-lowwater anhydrous grade for moisturesensitive chemistries.
IMCD, as a global distributor of speciality chemicals, bridges QQChem’ s manufacturing expertise with pharmaceutical, agrochemical, flavour and fragrance markets. Through its‘ Greener Solutions’ initiative, IMCD has introduced sustainable solvent options like 2MeTHF to nearly 90 companies worldwide, engaging over 1,800 chemists. Together, they have built a robust supply network in Europe, India
and the US, offering packaging from 1L samples to bulk isotanks.
“ This partnership shows that sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand. Together with QQChem, we’ ve proven that renewable solvents like 2MeTHF can not only replace petrochemical options, but also deliver better process efficiency and environmental benefits at scale,” says Christopher Young, director, regulated synthesis at IMCD.
Looking ahead
As industry demand for greener, more efficient solvents grows, QQChem and IMCD remain committed to innovation, reliability and the ongoing mission to replace petrochemical-based solvents with renewable alternatives.
Meet the QQChem and IMCD team at CPHI, 28 – 30 October in Frankfurt at QQChem booth 12.1G86 or IMCD booth 8.0S36, and discover how 2MeTHF can drive your next green chemistry success story. ●
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IMCD www. imcdgroup. com
QQCHEM
lz @ qqpharm. com www. qqchemical. com
SEP / OCT 2025 SPECCHEMONLINE. COM
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