# Styrene-divinylbenzene Copolymer, Chloromethylated, Aminated, Oxidized

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977089-33-0
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, chloromethylated, aminated, oxidized is a synthetic polymer processing aid used in food manufacturing. It functions as a specialized chemical intermediate in food production processes rather than as a direct food ingredient.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Styrene-divinylbenzene Copolymer, Chloromethylated, Aminated, Oxidized?

Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, chloromethylated, aminated, oxidized (CAS 977089-33-0) is a synthetic polymer compound created through sequential chemical modifications. The base polymer consists of styrene and divinylbenzene monomers, which are then chemically treated through chloromethylation, amination, and oxidation processes. These modifications alter the polymer's chemical properties and functional capabilities, creating a specialized material designed for specific industrial applications in food manufacturing.

## Common Uses

This polymer functions as a processing aid in food production, meaning it assists in manufacturing processes but is typically removed or substantially reduced before the final product reaches consumers. Processing aids are used in food manufacturing to facilitate production efficiency, improve product quality, or enable specific manufacturing techniques. The specific applications for this particular polymer relate to its chemical properties created through its complex molecular structure. Like other processing aids, the primary distinction is that it supports food production rather than remaining as a component of the finished food product.

## Safety Assessment

No adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive, and no food recalls have been linked to its use. The synthetic polymer nature of this compound means it is not absorbed systemically in the body due to its large molecular size and chemical structure. Like most food-contact polymeric materials, safety considerations typically focus on migration of unreacted monomers or small molecular weight components rather than the polymer itself.

The oxidized, aminated, and chloromethylated chemical modifications create a polymer that differs from simpler styrene-based copolymers. These modifications generally reduce volatility and reactivity compared to unmodified precursors. As a processing aid, exposure through food consumption is expected to be minimal, as the substance is designed to be removed or substantially separated from the final food product through processing techniques such as filtration, centrifugation, or other separation methods.

## Regulatory Status

This additive has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA. GRAS status requires either extensive history of safe use or comprehensive scientific evidence demonstrating safety. The absence of GRAS status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that the specific regulatory pathway for this particular compound has not been completed through FDA review. The lack of reported adverse events or recalls suggests no safety incidents have triggered regulatory concern.

Regulatory approaches to food processing aids vary internationally. Different jurisdictions may have varying requirements for approval, documentation, and use specifications. Manufacturers using this or any processing aid must comply with regulations in their respective markets and maintain appropriate documentation of safety and use protocols.

## Key Studies

Public literature specifically examining this highly specific polymer modification is limited. Safety evaluation of food-contact polymers and processing aids generally relies on established toxicological testing protocols, including acute and subchronic toxicity studies, genotoxicity assessments, and migration studies where applicable. The synthetic polymer's large molecular weight and chemical modifications serve as predictive factors for low bioavailability and absorption potential.

The absence of reported adverse events combined with zero recalls suggests any uses of this additive have proceeded without incident. As with many specialized processing aids, detailed proprietary applications and comprehensive safety data may reside with manufacturers rather than in public scientific literature. Regulatory decisions by the FDA are based on submitted safety documentation from manufacturers seeking approval or notification for use.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Styrene-divinylbenzene Copolymer, Chloromethylated, Aminated, Oxidized — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/styrene-divinylbenzene-copolymer-chloromethylated-aminated-oxidized. Accessed 2026-05-20.