Used primarily as a solvent in the refining of lubricating oils and in the production of butadiene for synthetic rubber. Plays a key role in the manufacture of furfuryl alcohol, which is used in foundry resins and corrosion-resistant fiberglass composites. Also serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and flavoring agents. Increasingly explored in biomass conversion processes for producing renewable chemicals and biofuels due to its origin from renewable resources like corncobs and sugarcane bagasse.