Vinylbenzenes

Styrene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2. Its structure consists of a vinyl group as substituent on benzene. Styrene is a colorless, oily liquid, although aged samples can appear yellowish. The compound evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations have a less pleasant odor. Styrene is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers, and is typically made from benzene for this purpose. Approximately 25 million tonnes of styrene were produced in 2010, increasing to around 35 million tonnes by 2018.

Divinylbenzene (DVB) is an organic compound with the chemical formula and structure (a benzene ring with two vinyl groups as substituents). It is related to styrene (vinylbenzene, ) by the addition of a second vinyl group. It is a colorless liquid manufactured by the thermal dehydrogenation of isomeric diethylbenzenes. Under synthesis conditions, o-divinylbenzene converts to naphthalene and thus is not a component of the usual mixtures of DVB.

4-Vinyltoluene is an organic compound with the formula CH3C6H4CH=CH2. It is derivative of styrene and is used as a comonomer in the production of specialized polystyrenes. It is produced by the dehydrogenation of 4-ethyltoluene. It is also sometimes used in the production of styrene-free polyester resin.

4-Vinylanisole is an organic compound with the formula CH3OC6H4CH=CH2. It is one of three isomers of vinylanisole. A colorless liquid, 4-vinylanisole is found in a number of foods and drinks. It is also a monomer for the synthesis of modified polystyrenes. It is an aggregation pheromone used by locusts.