How is neoprene made from chloroprene?

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major industrial polymers Figure 1: The linear form of polyethylene, known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Neoprene is produced through the polymerization of chloroprene, a process that links individual molecules into giant, multiple-unit chains. To transform chloroprene into rubber, the liquid is first emulsified in water. Following emulsification, it is polymerized using free-radical initiators.1

The resulting polymer, known as polychloroprene, typically adopts a trans-polychloroprene structure. Because the double bond in the chain is shielded, the vulcanization process—which creates the molecular interlinking necessary to cure the rubber—is primarily effected through the chlorine atom present in the structure.1