Divinylbenzene

Divinylbenzene, systematically known as 1,3-diethenylbenzene, consists of a benzene ring bonded to two vinyl groups. It is derived from styrene (vinyl benzene), having 2 vinyl groups whereas styrene has one.

Isomeric forms
Divinylbenzene can exist in the form of 3 structural isomers. The isomers differ in the positioning of the vinyl groups. They may be in the ortho position (variously known as 1,2-diethenylbenzene, 1,2-divinylbenzene, o-vinylstyrene, o-divinylbenzene); the meta position (known as 1,3-diethenylbenzene, 1,3-divinylbenzene, m-vinylstyrene, m-divinylbenzene) or the para position (known as 1,4-diethenylbenzene, 1,4-divinylbenzene, p-vinylstyrene, p-divinylbenzene). The commercial form of divinylbenzene contains the three isomeric forms, but the meta isomer, demonstrated in the image, predominates.

Applications
When reacted together with styrene, divinylbenzene can be used as a reactive monomer in polyester resins. Styrene and divinylbenzene react together to form the copolymer styrene-divinylbenzene, S-DVB or Sty-DVB. It acts as a cross-linking agent in ion exchange polymers. The monomer also has been used for obtaining of polydivinylbenzene.