An electrochemical method for the determination of residual styrene in polystyrene

A rapid electroanalytical method for the determination of residual styrene in polystyrene is described. The sample of polymer was dissolved in toluene and, following the addition of 10% DMF and electrolyte, a square-wave voltammogram was recorded at a gold microdisc electrode (radius, 6 mu m). A standard addition technique was used to relate the peak current to the styrene concentration in solution and, hence, the styrene content of the polymer. The method gave results which are similar to those of the accepted standard procedure. It does not, however, require the precipitation of the polymer and hence is quicker and more convenient.