2-Phenyl-1-propene

Description

Methylstyrene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Molecular weight = 118.19; Specific gravity(H2O:1) 5 0.91; Boiling point = 165.6℃; Freezing/Meltingpoint 5 2 23.3℃; Vapor pressure 5 2 mmHg at 20℃;Flash point = 54℃; Autoignition temperature 5 574℃.Explosive limits: LEL 5 1.9%; UEL 5 6.1%. HazardIdentification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System):Health 1, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0. Insoluble in water.Potential Exposure: Tumorigen,Mutagen, Human Data; Primary Irritant. Methylstyrene isused as an additive, a plasticizer, and as a copolymer; usedin the production of modified polyester and alkyd resinformulations.

Chemical properties

clear colourless liquid

Chemical properties

Methylstyrene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor.

Physical properties

Colorless liquid with a sharp aromatic odor. Odor threshold concentration is 290 ppb (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983).

The Uses of 2-Phenyl-1-propene

Polymerization monomer, especially forpolyesters.

The Uses of 2-Phenyl-1-propene

Intermediate for ABS plastics, Styrene - Butadiene rubber, Polystyrene, Styrene - Acrylonitrile Resins, Perfumery, Polyalphamethyl Styrene, Polyester resins

The Uses of 2-Phenyl-1-propene

α-Methylstyrene is not a styrenic monomer in the strict sense. The methyl substitution on the side chain, rather than the aromatic ring, moderates its reactivity in polymerization. It is used as a specialty monomer in ABS resins, coatings, polyester resins, and hot-melt adhesives. As a copolymer in ABS and polystyrene, it increases the heat-distortion resistance of the product. In coatings and resins, it moderates reaction rates and improves clarity.

Production Methods

α-Methylstyrene (AMS) is produced as a by-product in the production of phenol and acetone from cumene.

Definition

ChEBI: Alpha-Methylstyrene is an olefinic compound.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 108, p. 1322, 1986 DOI: 10.1021/ja00266a047
Tetrahedron Letters, 21, p. 2531, 1980 DOI: 10.1016/0040-4039(80)80120-1
Synthesis, p. 1034, 1987 DOI: 10.1055/s-1987-28164

General Description

A colorless liquid. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Flash point 115°F. May be mildly toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Vapors may be narcotic by inhalation. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2-Phenyl-1-propene is easily peroxidizable; the peroxide may initiate exothermic polymerization of the bulk material. Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980 p. 866; Bretherick, 1979 p. 160].

Hazard

Moderate fire risk. Explosive limits in air1.9–6.1%. Avoid inhalation and skin contact. Upperrespiratory tract irritant, kidney and female repro-ductive damage. Possible carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes irritation of respiratory tract, headache, dizziness, light-headedness, and breathlessness. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with liquid irritates eyes. Prolonged skin contact can cause severe rashes, swelling, and blistering.

Safety Profile

Mildly toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: irritant effects. A skin and eye irritant. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Potential Exposure

Methylstyrene is used as additive, plasticizer, and copolymer; used in the production of modified polyester and alkyd resin formulations.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Environmental Fate

Chemical/Physical. Polymerizes in the presence of heat or catalysts (Hawley, 1981).

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confinedspace where this chemical may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store intightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated areaaway from oxidizers. Where possible, automatically pumpliquid from drums or other storage containers to processcontainers.

Shipping

UN2303 Isopropenylbenzene, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid

Purification Methods

Wash the monomer three times with aqueous 10% NaOH (to remove inhibitors such as quinol), then six times with distilled water, dry with CaCl2 and distil it unde

Incompatibilities

Vapors may form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, peroxides, halogens, catalysts for vinyl or ionic polymers; aluminum, iron chloride; copper. Methylstyrene may form unstable peroxides; may polymerize. Usually contains an inhibitor, such as tert-butyl catechol.

Waste Disposal

ncineration, often by admixture with a more flammable solvent