What is the most common use of styrene, C_6H_5CH=CH_2?

1 Answer
anor277
Oct 27, 2015

As a monomer for polystyrene.

Explanation:

Phenylethene, styrene, C_6H_5CH=CH_2, is most widely used as a precursor to packaging material, i.e. polystyrene: the clamshell containers your hamburgers come in; pellets for packaging; and also laboratory equipment. This material is so ubiquitous that it poses a huge environmental problem.

Related questions
See all questions in Compounds
Impact of this question
2413 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License