Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLOURLESS TO LIGHT YELLOW LIQUID
Uses
4-Methylstyrene is used as a monomer for polyesters and in plastics production. It is also used as an intermediate in paint and coating additives. Further, it is used with other vinyltoluene isomers (3-vinyltoluene) as monomers for the preparation of poly(vinyltoluene). In addition to this, it is employed as a bi- ligand in the preparation of cationic, two-coordinate triphenylphosphine-gold(I)-pi complexes. Further, it is involved in Heck coupling reactions with chlorobenzene.
Definition
ChEBI: 4-Methylstyrene is a member of styrenes.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point 129°F. Usually shipped with an inhibitor such as tert-butyl catechol added May polymerize if contaminated or subjected to heat. If polymerization takes place inside a closed container, the container may rupture violently. Vapors irritate the mucous membranes. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Density is 7.6 lb / gal. Used in making plastics, especially as a monomer for polyesters.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
4-Methylstyrene may react vigorously with strong oxidizing agents. May react exothermically with reducing agents to release hydrogen gas. In the presence of various catalysts (such as acids) or initiators, may undergo exothermic addition polymerization reactions. May undergo autoxidation upon exposure to the air to form peroxides. These peroxides and polyperoxides are usually extremely unstable and liable to detonation. The peroxidation of butadiene has been involved in several serious industrial accidents.
Health Hazard
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Purification Methods
Purify it as the above styrenes and add a small amount of antioxidant if it is to be stored. It has UV in EtOH at max 285nm (log 3.07), and in EtOH + HCl 295nm (log 2.84) and 252nm (log 4.23). [Schwartzman & Carson J Am Chem Soc 78 322 1956, Joy & Orchin J Am Chem Soc 81 305 1959, Buck et al. J Chem Soc 23771949, Beilstein 5 IV 1369.]
