Styrene Monomer

Styrene Monomer

Styrene monomer is an aromatic hydrocarbon liquid from the vinyl family. It has a boiling point of 146°C and a density of 0.90 g/cm³.

It is primarily used in the processing of polystyrene plastics. The major method for producing styrene involves the ethylbenzene process. First, benzene is alkylated with ethylene. Then, styrene is obtained by dehydrogenating ethylbenzene using catalysts such as aluminum chloride, solid phosphoric acid, or silica-alumina.

Applications of Styrene

In addition to being a monomer for polystyrene, styrene has significant industrial applications on its own. Styrene molecules are used in the production of various plastics, resins, and rubbers. One of the most important products involving styrene is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).