I am thinking of purchasing tetrahydrofuran (THF) for use in tissue dehydration of transgenic (tdTomato-expressing) mouse organs prior to tissue clearing using lightsheet fluorescence microscopy or other 3D imaging modalities. There are several examples of the use of THF in the literature for this purpose (e.g. https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/1/eaau8355).
However, I have safety concerns, having read about the risks of explosion (by formation of peroxides). I am aware that I have the option of purchasing THF containing an inhibitor (butylated hydroxytoluene) to minimise the risk of explosion. What other safety precautions should I exercise prior to purchasing and whilst in possession of THF?
Is THF strictly necessary for your protocol? I have been developing a clearing technique and had the same concerns about THF but it turned out I only needed it if I was using FFPE tissue, as THF is miscible with paraffin. Instead, I used formalin fixed and frozen tissue and I've had no problems.
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