isopréne

Isoprene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor, belonging to the class of hydrocarbons known as alkenes. It is the simplest representative of the family of isoprenoids, which are compounds containing isoprene units. Isoprene is primarily produced by plants, particularly conifers, as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens. It is also a byproduct of human metabolism, particularly in the liver, where it is converted into cholesterol.

In industry, isoprene is used as a monomer in the production of synthetic rubber, specifically isoprene rubber, which is known for its excellent resistance to heat, ozone, and weathering. It is also used in the synthesis of various chemicals, including antioxidants and pharmaceuticals.

Isoprene has a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. It is a major component of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), which are released into the atmosphere by plants. In the atmosphere, isoprene undergoes oxidation reactions that contribute to the formation of ozone and secondary organic aerosols, which have implications for air quality and climate.

Isoprene is a chiral molecule, meaning it exists in two non-superimposable mirror-image forms known as enantiomers. The biological synthesis of isoprene in plants typically results in a specific enantiomer, (R)-isoprene, which is the form that is released into the atmosphere.