Divinylbenzene

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Divinylbenzene
Displayed structure of m-divinylbenzene.
General
Molecular formula C10H10
Molar mass 130.2g/mol
Appearance Pale yellow liquid with characteristic odor
CAS number [108-57-6]
Melting point -66.9 - -52°C
Boiling point 195°C
Solubility Insoluble in water
Soluble in ethanol and ether
Flash point 76°C
Disclaimer and references

Divinylbenzene, systematically known as 1,3-diethenylbenzene, consists of a benzene ring bonded to two vinyl groups. It is derived from styrene (vinyl benzene), having 2 vinyl groups whereas styrene has one.

[edit] Isomeric forms

Divinylbenzene can exist in the form of 3 structural isomers. The isomers differ in the positioning of the vinyl groups. They may be in the ortho position (variously known as 1,2-diethenylbenzene, 1,2-divinylbenzene, o-vinylstyrene, o-divinylbenzene); the meta position (known as 1,3-diethenylbenzene, 1,3-divinylbenzene, m-vinylstyrene, m-divinylbenzene) or the para position (known as 1,4-diethenylbenzene, 1,4-divinylbenzene, p-vinylstyrene, p-divinylbenzene). The commercial form of divinylbenzene contains the three isomeric forms, but the meta isomer, demonstrated in the image, predominates.

[edit] Applications

When reacted together with styrene, divinylbenzene can be used as a reactive monomer in polyester resins. Styrene and divinylbenzene react together to form the copolymer styrene-divinylbenzene, S-DVB or Sty-DVB. It acts as a cross-linking agent in ion exchange polymers. The monomer also has been used for obtaining of polydivinylbenzene.