Organic Chemistry

Styrene (CAS# 100-42-5), also known as phenylethylene or vinylbenzene, is a colorless, viscous liquid with an aromatic odor. It is the simplest and most important member of a series of aromatic monomers and is extensively used in the production of plastics, including crystalline polystyrene, rubber-modified impact polystyrene, expandable polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile resins (SAN), styrene-butadiene latex, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and unsaturated polyester resins. Additionally, styrene is utilized in the manufacturing of reinforced plastics such as fiberglass boats, packaging materials like packing peanuts, insulation for buildings, plastic pipes, food containers, and carpet backing. It is a highly flammable liquid that evaporates easily and polymerizes readily to polystyrene unless a stabilizer is added.