MAWILI, MIA. BEATRICE B.

Product Description

Product: Styrene

Chemical and Physical properties of Styrene

Properties Data
Chemical Name Styrene
Other Names Styrol, Vinylbenzene, Phenylethene,Phenylethylene
Chemical formula C8H8
Structural formula CH2=CHC6H5
Molecular weight 104.15 g/mol
Physical state liquid
Appearance colorless to yellowish
Odor extremely penetrating, sharp and unpleasant
Boiling point 145 °C
Melting point -31°C
Density 909 kg/m3
Viscosity 0.762 cP at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure 5 mmHg (20°C)
Water solubility 0.3 g/L (20 ºC),
Flashpoint 32°C

Use:

Styrene is a chemical used to make latex, synthetic rubber, and

polystyrene resins. These resins are used to make plastic packaging, disposable
cups and containers, insulation, and other products.

Market:

The global styrene market is majorly driven by polystyrene and

expandable polystyrene consumption. The market for styrene is highly
diversified, which includes various types of derivatives each having a wide range
of applications across various sectors of the market.
Demand:

The demand for expanded polystyrene (EPS) is expected to drive the

global styrene market. EPS is the fastest growing styrene derivative and
accounts for 25% of the global consumption. General purpose polystyrene (PS)
market is the largest consumer of styrene accounting for nearly 35% of the global
styrene consumption.

Production processes:

 Catalytic alkylation of benzene with ethylene

 Coproduction of styrene with propylene oxide by the propylene
oxide/styrene monomer process
 Styrene production process via catalytic dehydrogenation of
ethylbenzene
 Styrene Production through 1-Phenylethanol Vapor-Phase
Dehydration

Hazards:

Health hazards: irritation and anaesthesia for the mucous membrane of the eye
and upper respiratory tract. Acute poisoning: at high concentration, the eye and upper
respiratory tract mucosa irritation immediately, eye pain, tears, runny, sneezing, sore
throat, cough, etc., followed by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and so
on; serious can have vertigo, gait staggering. The eye can be burned when it is
contaminated by styrene. Chronic effects: common neurasthenia syndrome, headache,
fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal distention, melancholia, forgetfulness,
finger tremor, etc. Chronic exposure sometimes causes obstructive pulmonary disease.

Environmental hazards: serious harm to the environment and pollution to the

water, soil and atmosphere.

Risk of explosion: This product is flammable, suspicious carcinogens, irritating.

First – aid Measures:

General Advice: If symptoms persist, call a physician.

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the
eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.
 Skin Contact: Wash off immediately with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. If skin irritation persists, call a physician.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Get
medical attention if symptoms occur. Risk of serious damage to the lungs.

Ingestion: Clean mouth with water and drink afterwards plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting. Call a physician or Poison Control Center immediately. If
vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward.

Most important symptoms and effects” Breathing difficulties. Symptoms of

overexposure may be headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and vomiting

References:

Styrene (2019),
https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB3415111.htm

Global Styrene Market - Market Segmentation & Analysis 2017 - Research and Markets
(2019), https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/global-styrene-market---market-
segmentation-analysis-2017---research-and-markets-2017-10-09

Styrene Production and Manufacturing Process (2019),

https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2007/11/06/9076473/styrene-production-
and-manufacturing-process/

Styrene production process via catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene (2019),

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320502700_Simulation_of_the_styrene_produ
ction_process_via_catalytic_dehydrogenation_of_ethylbenzene_using_CHEMCADR_pr
ocess_simulator

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie1025562

MSDS, Sytrene,
https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC132790010&productDescription=
STYRENE+99%25%2C+STABILIZED+1LT&vendorId=VN00033901&countryCode=US
&language=en