The Molecular Weight of Styrene
Styrene (CAS 100-42-5) has a molecular weight of approximately 104.15 g/mol. The molecular weight is calculated from the formula C8H8: eight carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. It is an important organic chemical raw material with a distinctive aromatic odor, insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents such as alcohols and ethers.
Molecular Structure
Styrene is an olefinic organic compound composed of a benzene ring and a vinyl group. The molecular formula contains one aromatic ring and one non-aromatic ring, thus its molecular properties are more unique than those of other olefinic compounds. The vinyl double bond is the reactive site that enables polymerization, and the benzene ring gives the resulting polymers their stiffness and clarity.
Physical Properties
Styrene is a colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. It is volatile at room temperature and miscible with many organic solvents. Its density is 0.91 g/cm³, its boiling point is 145 degrees and its melting point is minus 31 degrees. It does not readily undergo polymerization under normal conditions because it is stored with an inhibitor, but it polymerizes when the inhibitor is depleted and the conditions are favorable.
Reactivity
The vinyl group of styrene undergoes addition polymerization by free radical, anionic and cationic mechanisms, and it copolymerizes readily with butadiene, acrylonitrile and acrylic esters. The reactivity of the double bond is the basis of the production of polystyrene, styrene-butadiene rubber and ABS, and it requires the inhibitor and temperature control during storage and transport.
Applications
Styrene is widely used in industrial production for synthetic resins, rubber, coatings and other fields. The polymers made from styrene are found in packaging, tires, engineering plastics and coatings, and the monomer is one of the most important building blocks of the polymer industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the molecular weight of styrene? approximately 104.15 g/mol.
What is the structure of styrene? benzene ring attached to a vinyl group, formula C8H8.
What are the key physical properties? Density 0.91 g/cm³, boiling point 145 degrees and melting point minus 31 degrees.
Why is styrene reactive? The vinyl double bond undergoes addition polymerization.
What is styrene used for? Resins, rubber, coatings and engineering plastics.