Tetrahydrofuran is widely used as a versatile polar aprotic solvent in both laboratory and industrial settings. It is particularly effective in reactions involving organometallic compounds, such as Grignard reagents and lithium aluminum hydride, due to its ability to stabilize these species. It is commonly used in polymer science for dissolving and processing polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and in the production of elastomers.

In the pharmaceutical industry, tetrahydrofuran serves as a reaction medium for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially in hydrogenation and reduction reactions. It is also employed in the preparation of thin-film coatings and adhesives because of its excellent solvency and fast evaporation rate. Additionally, it is used as a mobile phase component in some types of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Due to its low viscosity and high miscibility with water and organic solvents, it is useful in extraction and purification processes.