Styrene-7,8-oxide
Agent Name
Styrene-7,8-oxide
Alternative Name
Styrene oxide
CAS Number
96-09-3
Formula
C8-H8-O
Major Category
Plastics & Rubber
Synonyms
Styrene oxide; 1,2-Epoxy-1-phenylethane; 1,2-Epoxyethylbenzene; 1-Phenyl-1,2-epoxyethane; 1-Phenyloxirane; 2-Phenyloxirane; Benzene, (1,2-epoxyethyl)-; Benzene, (epoxyethyl)-; EP-182; Epoxyethyl benzene; Epoxyethylbenzene; Epoxystyrene; Fenyloxiran [Czech]; Oxirane, phenyl-; Phenethylene oxide; Phenyl oxirane; Phenylethylene oxide; Phenyloxirane; Styrene epoxide; Styrene oxide; Styryl oxide; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Epoxides
Description
Colorless to light yellow liquid; [Hawley] Pleasant, sweet odor; [HSDB] Faintly yellow-green clear liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used as a reactive diluent for epoxy resins, a curing agent for polyesters and polyurethanes, a stabilizer (hydraulic fluids, chlorinated cleaning compounds, petroleum distillates, dielectric fluids, and acid-sensitive polymers and copolymers), and a lubricant for acetal polymers; [HSDB]
Comments
"There are no data linking styrene oxide exposure to effects in humans, so the TLV-TWA is based on animal studies." TLV Basis = upper respiratory tract irritation and blood changes. [ACGIH, 2020] A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS depression; [ICSC] Toxic by ingestion and inhalation; [Hawley] Repeated exposure may lead to skin sensitization; [HSDB] May cause skin burns, sensitization, liver injury, and CNS depression; [CAMEO] An eye irritant and lachrymator; May cause CNS depression; Targets the CNS and liver; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
1 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.3 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 500 ppm/4h
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 76 deg C; [ICSC] Odor low 0.3093 mg/m3; Odor high 1.9640 mg/m3; [HSDB] VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
high ambient temp required
Adverse Effects
Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Lachrymator
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
NTP Carcinogen
Anticipated human carcinogen
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: