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.

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