Styrene (C6H5CH=CH2) is a versatile chemical used in the production of plastics, rubber, and resins. It has a wide range of applications in various industries due to its properties.
| IUPAC Name | Ethenylbenzene |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₅CH=CH₂ |
| CAS Number | 100-42-5 |
| Synonyms | Vinylbenzene, Phenylethylene, Cinnamene, Ethenylbenzene |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C8H8/c1-2-8-6-4-3-5-7-8/h2-7H,1H2 |
Styrene Formula Properties
Styrene Formula
The chemical formula of styrene is C₈H₈. It consists of eight carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. The formula represents the arrangement of atoms in a single molecule of styrene.
Styrene Molar Mass
The molar mass of vinylbenzene is approximately 104.15 grams per mole. It is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms present in one mole of vinylbenzene molecules.
Styrene Boiling Point
The boiling point of vinylbenzene is around 145 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, vinylbenzene undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. The boiling point is an important characteristic that determines the volatility of a substance.
Styrene Melting Point
Styrene has a melting point of approximately -31 degrees Celsius. It is the temperature at which solid vinylbenzene transitions to a liquid state. The melting point provides information about the substance’s physical properties and its ability to undergo phase changes.
Styrene Density g/mL
The density of vinylbenzene is around 0.91 grams per milliliter. Density represents the mass of a substance per unit volume. Styrene’s relatively low density contributes to its lightness and buoyancy.
Styrene Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of vinylbenzene is 104.15 grams per mole. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Molecular weight is crucial for determining the amount of a substance in chemical reactions.
Styrene Structure
The structure of vinylbenzene consists of a benzene ring with a vinyl group attached to it. The vinyl group, represented as -CH=CH₂, is directly bonded to the benzene ring. This structure gives vinylbenzene its distinctive properties.
Styrene Solubility
Styrene is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents such as benzene and toluene. Its solubility is influenced by the polarity of the solvent and the intermolecular forces between vinylbenzene and the solvent molecules.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.91 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet, aromatic |
| Molar Mass | 104.15 g/mol |
| Density | 0.91 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -31 °C |
| Boiling Point | 145 °C |
| Flash Point | 32 °C |
| Water Solubility | Low |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure | 5.6 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapor Density | 3.6 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 11.24 |
| pH | Neutral |
Styrene Safety and Hazards
Styrene poses certain safety concerns and hazards that need to be addressed. It is important to handle vinylbenzene with caution. Direct exposure to vinylbenzene vapor or liquid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to more serious health effects. Styrene is also flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment should be utilized when working with vinylbenzene. Additionally, it is crucial to follow safety protocols, such as storing vinylbenzene away from incompatible substances and ensuring proper waste disposal to minimize environmental risks.
| Hazard Symbols | Flame, Skull and Crossbones |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat and open flames. Use in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective clothing and gloves. Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin. |
| Un IDs | UN2055 |
| HS Code | 2902.50.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Can cause irritation, may be harmful if swallowed. |
Styrene Synthesis Methods
Various methods enable the synthesis of vinylbenzene.
One commonly used method for synthesizing vinylbenzene involves heating ethylbenzene in the presence of a catalyst, typically a metal oxide catalyst. The catalyst facilitates the removal of hydrogen atoms from the ethylbenzene molecule, resulting in the formation of vinylbenzene.
Another method to synthesize vinylbenzene is by reacting ethylbenzene with an oxidizing agent, such as air or molecular oxygen. This reaction takes place at elevated temperatures and in the presence of a catalyst, promoting the removal of hydrogen atoms and the formation of vinylbenzene.
The synthesis of vinylbenzene involves reacting benzene and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst, such as aluminum chloride. The catalyst aids in the formation of the vinylbenzene molecule by combining the benzene and ethylene molecules.
Synthesizing vinylbenzene from renewable resources, such as biomass or waste materials, involves employing processes like biomass gasification followed by catalytic conversion.
These synthesis methods play a crucial role in the production of vinylbenzene, which finds widespread use in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, and other materials. Ensuring efficient and safe implementation of these processes is important to achieve high-quality vinylbenzene while minimizing environmental impacts.
Styrene Uses
vinylbenzene has versatile properties that make it suitable for numerous applications across various industries. Some common uses of vinylbenzene include:
- Plastics: vinylbenzene plays a crucial role in producing polystyrene, a widely used plastic renowned for its excellent thermal insulation and impact resistance. Industries utilize it in manufacturing packaging materials, disposable cutlery, insulation panels, and foam products.
- Rubber: vinylbenzene and butadiene combine to form vinylbenzene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a synthetic rubber widely employed in tire manufacturing, conveyor belts, gaskets, and seals. Its durability and resistance to abrasion make it a preferred choice.
- Resins: vinylbenzene finds application in the production of various resins, particularly unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). Manufacturers extensively use these resins in fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) to produce boat hulls, automotive parts, and construction materials.
- Adhesives and Sealants: Manufacturers incorporate vinylbenzene-based copolymers into adhesives and sealants formulations. These materials provide strong bonding properties, making them ideal for use in the construction, automotive, and consumer goods industries.
- Paints and Coatings: vinylbenzene is an additive in paints and coatings, enhancing their durability, gloss, and resistance to chemicals and weathering.
- Textiles: vinylbenzene actively contributes to the production of synthetic fibers, including styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) fibers, which find application in textiles, carpeting, and upholstery.
- Electronics: Styrene-based resins are crucial in electronic applications, including encapsulating electronic components and manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- Medical Devices: The biocompatibility and ease of processing make vinylbenzene a valuable component in the production of medical devices like syringes, catheters, and test tubes.
Styrene’s diverse applications demonstrate its significance in various industries, driving the development of innovative and functional products.
Questions:
Q: Where can I buy styrene sheets?
A: vinylbenzene sheets can be purchased from various sources such as plastic supply stores, online retailers, or local hardware stores.
Q: What is styrene?
A: vinylbenzene is a versatile chemical compound used in the production of plastics, rubber, resins, and various other materials.
Q: What is styrene glass?
A: vinylbenzene glass, also known as acrylic glass or plexiglass, is a transparent plastic sheet made from styrene polymers. It is lightweight and offers high-impact resistance.
Q: What is styrene plastic?
A: vinylbenzene plastic refers to a wide range of plastic materials that contain styrene monomers in their chemical structure. These plastics have diverse applications due to their desirable properties.
Q: How is styrene made?
A: vinylbenzene is commonly produced through the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene or the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, using specific catalysts and conditions.
Q: What part of a sprinkler would have styrene in it?
A: vinylbenzene can be found in the body or casing of a sprinkler, which is often made of a styrene-based plastic material.
Q: Is styrene a chemical?
A: Yes, vinylbenzene is a chemical compound belonging to the family of organic compounds.
Q: Is styrene better than glass?
A: vinylbenzene, being a lightweight and impact-resistant plastic, offers advantages such as durability and safety, but it may not have the same optical clarity as glass.
Q: Is styrene planar?
A: Yes, vinylbenzene has a planar structure due to the presence of a double bond between the carbon atoms in the vinyl group.
Q: Is styrene soluble in water?
A: vinylbenzene has low solubility in water, meaning it does not readily dissolve in water but can mix to a limited extent.
Q: Is styrene aromatic?
A: Yes, vinylbenzene is considered an aromatic compound due to the presence of a benzene ring in its structure.
Q: Is styrene a thermoplastic?
A: Yes, vinylbenzene is classified as a thermoplastic material, meaning it can be melted and re-molded multiple times without undergoing chemical degradation.
Q: Which carbon in styrene will become a free radical?
A: The carbon atom adjacent to the vinyl group in vinylbenzene (the beta carbon) is the one that can undergo free radical reactions.
Q: Will nitromors melt styrene?
A: Nitromors is a paint stripper that may affect styrene-based plastics, so caution should be exercised to prevent potential damage.