In this procedure, cumene is converted to its radical, through a reaction with oxygen.

Although this is only a minor side reaction, the cumene process is run at such a large scale that the recovery of AMS is commercially viable and satisfies much of the global demand.

The homopolymer obtained from this monomer, poly(α-methylstyrene), is unstable, being characterized by a low ceiling temperature of 65°C.

[5][6] The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2009) defined occupational exposure limits of 10 ppm for airborne concentrations of a-methylstyrene.

[7] based on allergic reactions, and effects on the central nervous system.