styrene metabolic process
styrene metabolic process
The chemical reactions and pathways involving styrene, an aromatic hydrocarbon liquid soluble in ether and alcohol. When heated, exposed to light or added to a peroxide catalyst, it undergoes polymerization to form polystyrene, a versatile material used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber, thermal insulation, and packaging. Styrene is a classified mutagen and a suspected carcinogen.