Styrene (ethenylbenzene): Overview
Description
When it is linked together in long chains, or polymerised, styrene is used predominantly in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins, such as in insulation or in the fabrication of fibreglass boats; most styrene products contain a residue of unlinked styrene. Styrene is also used to make rubber, and as an intermediate in the synthesis of materials used for ion exchange resins and to produce copolymers such as styrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and styrene-butadiene rubber.
Substance details
Substance name: Styrene (ethenylbenzene)
CASR number: 100-42-5
Molecular formula: C8H8
Synonyms: Ethenylbenzene, ethenyl benzene, cinnamene, cinnamenol, NCI-C02200, phenylethene, phenylethylene, styrene monomer, styrol, styrole, styrolene, vinylbenzol, and vinylbenzene
Physical properties
Pure styrene is a colourless to yellowish oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell. It is often mixed with other substances that give it a sharp smell. It is flammable.
Specific Gravity: 0.905
Melting Point: -31 to -30.6°C
Boiling Point: 145-146°C
Vapour pressure: 4.3 mm Hg @ 15°C
9.5 mm Hg @ 30°C
10 mm Hg @ 35°C
Chemical properties
Styrene dissolves in some liquids, but dissolves only slightly in water. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, and carbon disulfide; it is incompatible with oxidisers, catalysts for vinyl polymers, peroxides, strong acids, and aluminium chloride. Styrene is dangerous when exposed to flame, heat or oxidants; it reacts violently with chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, and alkali metal-graphite, and reacts vigorously with oxidising materials. It may polymerise if contaminated or subjected to heat; on decomposition, it emits acrid fumes. It usually contains an inhibitor such as tert-butylcatechol.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of Styrene (ethenylbenzene) in Australia.
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