isoprene rubber
Quick Summary
Polyisoprene is a polymer made from isoprene, a hydrocarbon with the formula C5H8. It is the main component of natural rubber, as well as synthetic equivalents. Depending on its molecular structure, polyisoprene can be elastic like natural rubber or tough and leathery like gutta-percha.12
Natural rubber is almost exclusively the cis-1,4 polymer, known for its extensibility and toughness. Synthetic isoprene rubber is produced from petroleum and closely resembles natural rubber, making it a complete substitute for many applications, particularly tires. Trans-1,4 polyisoprene is found in gutta-percha and balata, which are harder and leathery materials used for items like golf ball covers. Isoprene units are also fundamental building blocks for many plant compounds.132
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