Furan is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor, commonly used in organic chemistry. It has a five-membered ring structure containing four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. Furan is primarily produced from the dehydration of sugars and is utilized in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Due to its potential health risks, furan is classified as a possible human carcinogen. It can form during the cooking of certain foods, particularly when they are heated at high temperatures. Regulatory agencies monitor furan levels in food products to ensure safety for consumers.