Polystyrene

(C₈H₈)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(1-phenylethylene)

CAS: 9003-53-6

Overview

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) is 95-98% air, giving it excellent insulating properties. Despite its utility, it is one of the most problematic plastics for the environment due to its non-biodegradability.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 8 1.0080
Carbon C 8 12.0110

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×8
7.7%
C
Carbon ×8
92.3%

Uses

  • • Styrofoam packaging and insulation
  • • Disposable cups and food containers
  • • Laboratory Petri dishes
  • • Model making

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Styrofoam is a brand name by Dow Chemical; the generic term is expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Safety

  • ⚠ Not biodegradable
  • ⚠ Major environmental pollutant
  • ⚠ Styrene monomer is possibly carcinogenic

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
104.15 g/mol
Density
1.0500 g/cm³
Melting Point
240.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

Styrofoam (expanded) PS

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polystyrene?
Polystyrene ((C₈H₈)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(1-phenylethylene).
What is the molecular weight of Polystyrene?
Polystyrene has a molar mass of 104.152 g/mol.
What state is Polystyrene at room temperature?
Polystyrene is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polystyrene organic or inorganic?
Polystyrene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polystyrene?
Polystyrene ((C₈H₈)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C).