Styrene

Styrene (CAS 100-42-5, EC 202-851-5, formula C8H8), also known commercially as Styrol or Annamene, is a reactive vinyl monomer derived from benzene and ethylene. It serves as the foundational building block for polystyrene and a broad range of copolymer systems. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In coatings and adhesives, styrene undergoes free-radical polymerization to form rigid, film-forming polymer networks that deliver hardness and chemical resistance. In plastics manufacturing, it copolymerizes with butadiene or acrylonitrile to produce impact-modified materials such as ABS and SBR. It also functions as a reactive diluent in unsaturated polyester resin systems, reducing viscosity while cross-linking into the final matrix.

Styrene is supplied in industrial liquid grades and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement teams should verify supplier SDS documentation and confirm inhibitor levels, as the material is typically stabilized with 4-tert-butylcatechol. Bulk and IBC packaging formats are standard for industrial supply.