Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol

Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol ia a polyether polyol. It is also known as PTMEG or polytetrahydrofuran and various tradenames such as "Terathane" and "PolyTHF". One of its CAS Registry Numbers is [25190-06-1].

It is prepared by acid-catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrofuran. . The polymers are of moderate size, usually having number average molecular weights of between 250 and 3000 da, for example see the "Terathane" series of PTMEG from Invista.



The main use for PTMEG polymers is to make elastomeric fibers such as Spandex. These elastomers are either polyurethanes made by reacting PTMEG with diisocyanates, or polyesters made by reacting PTMEG with diacids or their derivatives.