C8H8

C8H8 is a molecular formula that denotes eight carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms in each molecule. It represents several hydrocarbon isomers, most notably styrene (ethenylbenzene), the vinyl-substituted derivative of benzene. The formula can correspond to a variety of structures, including aromatic and non-aromatic arrangements, but styrene is by far the best known due to its industrial importance.

Styrene consists of a benzene ring attached to a vinyl group (-CH=CH2). It is typically a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor and is the principal monomer used to produce polystyrene and many related polymers and copolymers. In addition to polystyrene, styrene derivatives appear in resins, rubber blends, and specialty plastics. The C8H8 formula also covers other, less common isomers that have different bonding patterns but the same elemental composition.

Industrial production of styrene is mainly by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene over a catalyst, yielding styrene and hydrogen. It is often stored and transported with stabilizers to prevent premature polymerization. Safety considerations are important: styrene is flammable and can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system; prolonged exposure may have more serious health effects. In summary, C8H8 most commonly appears as styrene, a key building block in modern polymer chemistry, while acknowledging that the formula can describe multiple distinct structures.