MOLECULE

Styrene

Styrene, also known as styrol or vinylbenzene, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as styrenes. These are organic compounds containing an ethenylbenzene moiety. It is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations have a less pleasant odor. Styrene is named after storax balsam, the resin of liquidambar trees of the Altingiaceae plant family. Styrene is a sweet, balsamic, and floral tasting compound. Styrene has been detected in several different foods, such as coffee and coffee products, fruits, cocoa and cocoa products, alcoholic beverages, and chinese cinnamons. A minor pathway of styrene metabolism involves the formation of phenylacetaldehyde from styrene 7,8-oxide or cytochrome P450 conversion of styrene to pheylethanol and subsequent metabolism to phenylacetic acid. Styrene is formally rated as a possible carcinogen (by IARC 2B) and is also a potentially toxic compound. Styrene oxide is predominantly metabolized by epoxide hydrolase to form styrene glycol, styrene glycol is subsequently converted to mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid, and hippuric acid. Styrene may be absorbed following ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. Breathing high levels of styrene may cause nervous system effects such as changes in color vision, tiredness, feeling drunk, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, or balance problems. Chest burning, wheezing, and dyspnea may also occur. Styrene causes nervous system depression and may be carcinogenic. Styrene has also been detected in the volatile fraction of Cannabis sativa samples obtained from police seizures (PMID: 26657499).