In 2023–2024, the United States, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia were the leading exporters of Ethylbenzene, collectively accounting for over 45% of global exports, while China, India, and Germany ranked as the top importers—driven by downstream styrene production demand. Global Ethylbenzene trade volumes remained relatively stable year-on-year, though regional shifts in sourcing—particularly increased imports by India from Middle Eastern suppliers—coincided with moderate upward pressure on Ethylbenzene prices amid tightening feedstock availability.
Ethylbenzene is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a mild, gasoline-like odor. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon and a monosubstituted benzene derivative, boiling at 136 °C and melting at −95 °C. It serves predominantly as a chemical intermediate—over 90% of global ethylbenzene production is dehydrogenated to manufacture styrene, a key monomer for polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubber. Its use is largely confined to this upstream role in polymer manufacturing, with minimal direct application as a solvent or in other end-use sectors.
Ethylbenzene is used primarily to make styrene monomer (SM) [1]counting greater than 99%. At less than 1%, it is used as a solvent[2], in fuels[3], or as a starting material[4] to make other chemicals.[1] Ethylbenzene is mainly used in the manufacture of styrene, which is the raw material of producing styrene-based polymers that are widely used in products such as packaging, kitchen utensils and electronic equipment housing.2[2] Solvents in a variety of IndustriesWhich industriesHow it is usedMachinery Mfg. and RepairSolventsRubber ManufactureSolventsPaint ManufactureHydrocarbon SolventsWood Stains and VarnishesVarnish SolventPaper CoatingSolventsElectroplatingVapors Degreasing Solvents[3] Ethyl benzene (C6H5C2H5) is the smallest aromatic hydrocarbon molecule with C C key chain structure, and the C C single bond adjacent to benzene ring is far more weaker than those of other chemical bonds thus it is the most easily broken key. It is the characteristic structure of single chain alternative fuels such as n-propylbenzene n-butylbenzene in diesel oil and aviation kerosene.[4] Ethylbenzene may be used as a starting material to synthesize: (1) Acetophenone via selection oxidation in the presence of potassium dichromate supported on neutral alumina and using air as the oxidizing agent. (2) Styrene via dehydrogenation over nanodiamonds in an oxygen-lean environment.
Ethylbenzene is a colorless, volatile, highly flammable liquid having a gasoline-like odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Ethylbenzene is a member of the family of chemicals called alkylbenzenes. These are aromatic compounds containing a benzene substituted at one or more positions. It is found in natural products such as coal tar and petroleum and is also found in manufactured products such as inks, insecticides, and paints. Ethylbenzene is used primarily to make another chemical, styrene. Other uses include as a solvent, in fuels, and to make other chemicals. It is manufactured commercially from benzene and ethylene.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals. See more about what is Ethylbenzene and Ethylbenzene SDS information.
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