izoprén

Izoprén, known in English as isoprene, is an organic compound with the formula C5H8 and the systematic name 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene. It is the primary monomer for polyisoprene, the main constituent of natural rubber, and a building block for many terpenoids.

Isoprene is a conjugated diene. It is a colorless to pale liquid at room temperature, with a boiling point of about 34 °C. It is highly reactive in radical and cationic polymerizations and readily forms polymers, notably polyisoprene, when exposed to appropriate initiators or catalysts. It is moderately soluble in organic solvents and highly flammable.

Natural occurrence and biosynthesis: Isoprene is emitted by many plant species as a volatile organic compound, making it one of the most abundant biogenic VOCs. In biology, it arises from isoprenoid biosynthesis and serves as a building block for the synthesis of terpenoids via the IPP/DMAPP pathway.

Production: Industrially, isoprene is primarily obtained from petroleum-derived hydrocarbon streams. It is typically recovered from the C5 fraction produced during steam cracking of naphtha or gas oils and then purified by distillation and removal of inhibitors and co-monomers.

Applications: The principal use of isoprene is as the monomer for polyisoprene, both natural and synthetic rubbers. It also serves as a chemical feedstock for elastomers, coatings, and specialty chemicals upon further processing.

Safety: Isoprene is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions. It is a reactive monomer that can polymerize exothermically, so handling requires proper inhibitors, ventilation, and storage controls.