Chloromethylstyrene, 60% meta, 40% para isomers, ≥ 97%

Chloromethylstyrene (CMS), also known as vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), is a functional styrenic monomer containing 60% meta and 40% para isomers. It combines a polymerizable vinyl group with a reactive benzylic chloromethyl group.

The vinyl group participates in free-radical polymerization to form styrenic polymers and copolymers. Chloromethyl groups provide sites for subsequent nucleophilic substitution, allowing chemical modification of the resulting polymer.

This clear liquid has a purity of ≥97% by GC and contains approximately 500 ppm tert-butylcatechol inhibitor. The mixed-isomer composition distinguishes it from a single-isomer vinylbenzyl chloride reagent.

Key Properties

• Product number: 02719
• CAS number: 30030-25-2
• Molecular formula: C₉H₉Cl
• Molecular weight: 152.6 g/mol
• Physical form: Clear liquid
• Isomer composition: 60% meta, 40% para
• Purity by GC: ≥97%
• Inhibitor: Approximately 500 ppm tert-butylcatechol (TBC)

Applications

Functional Polymer Synthesis

Chloromethylstyrene is used to prepare polymers and copolymers containing benzylic chloromethyl functionality. Controlled radical polymerization has also been used to prepare poly(chloromethylstyrene-block-styrene) architectures.

Post-Polymerization Modification

Benzylic chloromethyl groups provide substitution sites for introducing additional functionality into a polymer. Reaction conditions and the selected nucleophile determine the chemical groups introduced.

Anion-Exchange Material Research

Quaternization of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) introduces ionic functionality used in anion-exchange membrane research. Membrane properties depend on the subsequent functionalization and crosslinking chemistry; they are not properties of the liquid monomer.

Polymerization & Functionalization Considerations

• The vinyl group is the site of styrenic polymerization
• The chloromethyl group provides a benzylic site for nucleophilic substitution
• Consider the TBC inhibitor content when establishing polymerization conditions
• Distinguish the meta/para mixture from single-isomer materials when selecting reagents
• Evaluate the resulting polymer or membrane under its specific synthesis and application conditions

Storage & Product Selection

• Store at 4°C, protected from light, in a secure, well-ventilated location
• Package size: 250 g
• Package catalog number: 02719-250
• Toxic in contact with skin; harmful if swallowed; causes skin and serious eye irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Handle in a chemical fume hood with protective gloves, eye protection, and suitable protective clothing
• Download the Chloromethylstyrene Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• For larger quantities, request a bulk quote and specify Chloromethylstyrene, 60% meta, 40% para isomers, catalog 02719

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