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Styrene

Styrene is used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber and insulators.

Chemical Formula: C₈H₈

Other names: cinnamene, ethenylbenzene, phenylethene, phenylethylene, vinylbenzene

Layman's explanation: Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, oily liquid with a sweet, floral odor in the pure form but usually contains aldehydes that produce an extremely penetrating smell, that is sharp and unpleasant. The styrene monomer can be manufacture in many different techniques for commercial production but the most important are dehydrogenation of ethylbezene and the oxidation of ethylbenzene to ethylbenzene hydroperoxide. Styrene is used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber, polymer resins and protective coatings as insulators. Styrene is also used as a dilutant to reduce viscosity of uncured resin systems. In addition, it is used in dental fillings, as a component in agricultural products, as stabilizing agent and as a chemical intermediate. Styrene polymer is used in the manufacture of photocopier toner. Styrene will corrode copper and copper alloys.

Keywords: plastics, rubber, insulator

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