Styrene Economics

Economic figures and capsule descriptions are given for two ethylbenzene and three styrene processes, as follows:

• Ethylbenzene by zeolite catalyzed vapor-phase alkylation.
• Ethylbenzene by homogeneous liquid-phase alkylation.
• Styrene from ethylbenzene by catalytic dehydrogenation.
• Styrene from ethylbenzene by hydroperoxide process (with propylene oxide as coproduct).
• Styrene from toluene and ethylene via stilbene.

From the standpoint of ethylbenzene and styrene values (based on net production costs plus 25% return on investments), processes 1 and 2 are essentially equivalent; process 4 looks slightly cheaper than process 3, provided the propylene oxide can all be marketed at a price equal to that of styrene; and process 5 (still undergoing development) appears to offer a substantial advantage over other styrene routes.