STYRENE- ▸ Polystyrene: Monomer for polystyrene plastics.
- ▸ Synthetic rubber: Comonomer in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
- ▸ Engineering resins: Component of ABS and SAN.
- ▸ Composites: Crosslinking monomer in unsaturated polyester (FRP).
- ▸ Ion-exchange resins: Intermediate.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to Styrene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Styrene (CAS 100-42-5), the aromatic vinyl monomer for polystyrene and styrenic resins. It is polymerized to polystyrene, copolymerized into SBR rubber, ABS, and SAN resins, and used as the crosslinking monomer in unsaturated polyester composites. It also serves as an intermediate for ion-exchange resins.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 202-851-5
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
Styrene (Vinylbenzene) (CAS 100-42-5) appears on the regulatory list(s) below. This is public regulatory information about the substance — not a statement about any specific supplier’s material, and not a safety claim. Confirm the current status for your jurisdiction and intended use.
- California Proposition 65: listed for cancer, listed 22 Apr 2016. A California Proposition 65 warning applies (see the warning above).
Sources: ECHA Candidate List / Annex XIV / Annex XVII (echa.europa.eu); U.S. EPA TSCA; UN Stockholm Convention / EU POPs Regulation; California OEHHA Proposition 65 list. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is styrene used for?
Styrene (CAS 100-42-5) is the aromatic vinyl monomer for polystyrene and styrenic resins. It is polymerized to polystyrene, copolymerized into SBR rubber, ABS, and SAN resins, used as the crosslinking monomer in unsaturated polyester (FRP) composites, and serves as an intermediate for ion-exchange resins.
Is styrene the same as acrylic?
No. Styrene is an aromatic vinyl monomer (C8H8) that polymerizes to polystyrene and styrenic copolymers, whereas acrylics are esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid that polymerize to acrylate polymers. They are different monomer chemistries, though both appear together in styrene-acrylic copolymers.
What is styrene made from?
Industrial styrene is produced predominantly by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, which is itself made by alkylating benzene with ethylene. The monomer is supplied stabilized (inhibited) to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.
How is bulk styrene monomer shipped and classified for transport?
Styrene monomer is supplied stabilized and ships as UN 2055, STYRENE MONOMER, STABILIZED. We supply it to manufacturers in bulk packaging such as drums, totes, and bulk loads. Confirm packing group and current placarding requirements with your carrier and the SDS before shipment.
What HS code applies to styrene?
Styrene is classified under HS 2902.50 (styrene). CAS is 100-42-5. Verify the destination-country tariff line with your customs broker before import.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Styrene (Vinylbenzene)?
Styrene (Vinylbenzene) (CAS 100-42-5) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 202-851-5).