CAS 28210-41-5: Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid)

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are a toxic substance that poses risks to aquatic life, specifically causing cardiac harm to zebrafish and inducing male reproductive toxicity in mice [1] [2].

Poly(styrene sulfonic acid) is used in water softening and to remove hard ions like calcium and magnesium. In the medical field, it is used as potassium binders in acute and chronic kidney disease. Its sodium salt is used as a superplastifier in cement, as a dye improving agent for cotton, as proton exchange membranes in fuel cell applications. It acts as a solid acid catalyst in organic synthesis. It is an antistatic resin used for electrographic and electrophotographic substrates. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Poly(p-styrenesulfonic acid) is a polystyrene polymer that is used as an ion exchange resin. It has been shown to bind to potassium and sorbitol in the colon, thereby reducing their absorption. Poly(p-styrenesulfonic acid) is used for the treatment of hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia caused by chronic renal failure or cancer chemotherapy. Poly(p-styrenesulfonic acid) does not have any significant toxicity, but should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment because it can cause hyperkalemia.