ethylbenzene

chemical compound

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June 26, 2026

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Ethylbenzene is a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₈H₁₀. It is primarily used in the manufacture of styrene. Styrene is a key component in the production of plastics like polystyrene, as well as synthetic rubbers.12

Ethylbenzene is produced by reacting ethylene and benzene, both of which are derived from petroleum. It is often found in a mixture with its isomers, the xylenes, and is separated from them for use in styrene production. Benzene itself is a toxic carcinogen, and strict controls are in place for its emissions.345

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chemical industry
Xylene
…with them is another isomer, ethylbenzene, which has one ethyl group (―C₂H₅) replacing one of the hydrogen atoms of benzene. These isomers can be separated only with difficulty, but numerous separation methods have been worked out. The small letters o-, m-, and p- (standing for ortho-, meta-, and para-) preceding…
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…with them is another isomer, ethylbenzene, which has one ethyl group (―C₂H₅) replacing one of the hydrogen atoms of benzene. These isomers can be separated only with difficulty, but numerous separation methods have been worked out. The small letters o-, m-, and p- (standing for ortho-, meta-, and para-) preceding…
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styrene
…now produced by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, a compound obtained by reacting ethylene and benzene—both of which in turn are derived from petroleum. More than 15 million metric tons of the liquid are made each year.
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…now produced by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, a compound obtained by reacting ethylene and benzene—both of which in turn are derived from petroleum. More than 15 million metric tons of the liquid are made each year.
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styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer
…obtained by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Maleic anhydride is a white solid obtained by the oxidation of benzene or butane. These two monomers can be mixed in a bulk process and induced to polymerize under the action of free-radical initiators. The result is a polymer with an alternating-block structure, in…
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…obtained by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Maleic anhydride is a white solid obtained by the oxidation of benzene or butane. These two monomers can be mixed in a bulk process and induced to polymerize under the action of free-radical initiators. The result is a polymer with an alternating-block structure, in…
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