Styrene: An Introduction

Abstract

Styrene also known as cinnamene, ethenylbenzene, phenylethene, phenylethylene, and vinylbenzene is the simplest alkenylbenzene and one of the most produced and processed monoaromatic compounds worldwide. It is a colorless, viscous liquid which was first described in 1830s as a product from heating styrax oil (storax). This natural balsam consists mainly of cinnamates (45 %) and some vanillin (3 %). However, it has a distinct odor caused by traces of styrene. The latter has in its pure form a pungent or penetrating sweetish odor and was named according the respective plant material. Besides such natural sources, the alkenylbenzene is released in considerable amounts into the environment, mainly into atmosphere, due to anthropogenic activity. And in combination with its high chemical reactivity and environmental presence, one can expect styrene-catabolic routes to be widespread among microorganisms. Indeed, it was several times shown that styrene can be rapidly degraded under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions. Therewith, it can be classified as readily biodegradable. It does not accumulate in soil or aquifer most likely due to its volatility and susceptibility to photooxidation. The chapter summarizes the properties of styrene and various aspects of its importance for human and nature in general. Additionally, it provides a broad view on what is presented and discussed in following chapters.