styrene

Chemical properties

Styrene is a colorless to yellowish, very refractive, oily liquid with a penetrating odor

Potential Exposure

Styrene is used in the production of plastics and polystyrene resins. It is also used in combination with 1,3-butadiene or acrylonitrile to form copolymer elastomers, butadiene-styrene rubber; and acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene. It is also used in the manufacture of protective coatings; resins, polyesters; in making insulators and in drug manufacture.

Shipping

UN2055 Styrene monomer, stabilized, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Incompatibilities

Styrene May form explosive mixture with air. A storage hazard above 31C. Upon heating to 200C, styrene polymerizes to form polystyrene, a plastic. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in a cool, dry area away from oxidizers, catalysts for vinyl polymers; peroxides, strong acids; aluminum chloride. May polymerize if contaminated, subjected to heat; under the influence of light; and on contact with many compounds, such as oxygen, oxidizing agents; peroxides and strong acids. Usually contains an inhibitor, such as tert-butylcatechol. Corrodes copper and copper alloys. Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed. In some cases, recovery and recycle of styrene monomer is economic and the technology is available.