CAS 96-09-3: Styrene oxide

Styrene oxide is used as an intermediate in medicine and perfume. 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.

Rac-styrene oxide is a chemical substance that has been used in the production of polystyrene. It is a colorless liquid with a boiling point of 142.3°C and a melting point of -64.4°C. Rac-styrene oxide can be synthesized by the reaction of styrene with hydrogen peroxide, yielding hydroxyl groups on both ends of the molecule. This compound belongs to the category of glycol ethers and oxides, and has shown to have potent inducers for oxidative injury when administered orally to rats. Rac-styrene oxide has also been shown to exhibit amyloid protein formation, which may contribute to its toxicity as well as its ability to form adducts with proteins that can lead to mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. Rac-styrene oxide also forms x-ray crystal structures that are stable at room temperature, making it easier for researchers to study its properties and reactivity in detail.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Acros Organics product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Acros Organics product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Applications A major (toxic) metabolite of Styrene (S687790), catalyzed by epoxide hydrolase. References Shen, S. et al.: Drug Metab. Disp., 38, 1934 (2010); Carlson, G.P. et al.: J. Toxicol. Env. Health, 73, 1689 (2010)