I would like to invite readers to share their non-proprietary experiences with the solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-MeTHF. This is an ethereal solvent that has been around for a while. While my personal experience with it is admittedly scarce, I have been eyeing this solvent for product use and process chemistry for some time. The manufacturer is concerned that they have a great solvent that will solve some problems for the folks out there, but are a bit flummoxed as to how to spread the word.
Most all synthesis folks will agree that tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a very useful solvent and, no doubt, have their favorite applications for it. I for instance prefer THF in LAH reductions. THF is a polar, non-protic solvent that offers great solvating capability and a not unreasonable boiling point. Sterically, THF seems to have a solvating aptitude that is different from diethyl ether. This is seen in the case of Grignard reagents, just to name one example.
But despite all of the advantages THF offers as a solvent, a non-trivial downside is its water miscibility. The aqueous workup and extraction of a THF reaction mixture can be complicated by the difficulty in getting a phase separation. Various tricks can be performed, such as salting out the water layer, adding an aliphatic solvent, or solvent exchange. But these things amount to a workaround to compensate for this unfortunate attribute of THF.
These workaround techniques are not so bad on the benchtop, but at plant scale, they amount to complications that add cost to the process. Extra expenses in terms of raw mat costs, storage & handling, and waste disposal costs. A solvent that behaved like THF but allowed for easier workup will definitely help keep the costs of processing down.
MeTHF seems to have some aptitude for solving the THF-water miscibility issue. But, what do you think? Have you tried it? Need to find a supplier? Do you have an anecdote you can share? Let’s hear what is going on out in the world.
Lamentations on Chemistry 
another advantage, just to be mentioned, is the commercial availability of grignards and organolithiums solutions in MeTHF being considerably more concentrated when compared with THF solutions.
I like the fact that THF is water miscible! run the reaction, then add water. Maybe 50/50 if product just precipitates out.
Agreed. There are times when water solubility is advantageous. Our point is, though, that there are some solvents that are available but under appreciated. MeTHF is one. Another is methylcyclohexane.
This is part of the feedback loop. To save plant time, we process folk would like to be able to have more options in regard to extraction. Turning on R&D people to alternative solvents is one way to do it.