Tetrahydrofuran (THF)-Mediated Structure of THF•(H2O)n=1-10: A Computational Study on the Formation of the THF Hydrate

Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is well known as a former and a promoter of clathrate hydrates, but the molecular mechanism for the formation of these compounds is not yet well understood. We performed ab initio calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the formation, structure, and stability of THF(H2O)(n=1-10) and its significance to the formation of the THF hydrate. Weak hydrogen bonds were found between THF and water molecules, and THF could promote water molecules from the planar pentagonal or hexagonal ring. As a promoter, THF could increase the binding ability of the CH4, CO2, or H-2 molecule onto a water face, but could also enhance the adsorption of other THF molecules, causing an enrichment effect.