Styrene

Styrene, also known as ethylenebenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylethene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2. This derivative of benzene is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations have a less pleasant odor. Styrene is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. Approximately 25 million tonnes of styrene were produced in 2010.

History

Styrene was first isolated from storax by the German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner in 1831. His student, the French chemist Auguste Laurent, named the substance in 1839. The name "styrene" is derived from "styrax".

Production

Styrene is produced industrially from ethylene and benzene. The two are combined to give ethylbenzene, which is then dehydrogenated to give styrene:

C6H6 + CH2=CH2 → C6H5CH2CH3 C6H5CH2CH3 → C6H5CH=CH2 + H2

Uses

Styrene is an important monomer for the production of polystyrene – a common plastic material. It is also used in the manufacture of other plastics, as well as resins, rubbers, and polymers.

Health effects

Exposure to styrene can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract. Long-term exposure may affect the central nervous system, causing headaches, fatigue, weakness, and depression.

See also

• Polystyrene
• Benzene
• Ethylene

References

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