Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting the polymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene monomer, during elevated temperature processing or distillation thereof or during storage or shipment of polymer containing product. The compositions include a combination of a hydroxybenzyl alcohol (1) and a dehydration catalyst (2). The combination is added to a vinyl aromatic monomer. Typically, the hydroxybenzyl alcohol is dehydrated in the styrene solution by the use of a strong acid catalyst acting as the dehydration catalyst, and the resultant reaction product is a quinone methide styrene inhibitor.
