What is the structural formula of isoprene

What is isoprene? The general formula of this compound corresponds to the homologous series of diene hydrocarbons, and has the composition CnH2n-2. Let us analyze some methods of obtaining this chemical compound, as well as find out the main areas of its application.

Brief description of physical properties

Let's enumerate the basic physical properties of isoprene. This diene hydrocarbon is toxic, has insignificant solubility in water. High concentrations of this drug have a narcotic effect. The maximum permissible concentration, which is not harmful to humans, is 40 mg / cm ³ . With an increase in this indicator, 2-methylbutadiene-1,3 adversely affects the human psyche. Under normal conditions this substance is a colorless volatile liquid having a low boiling point.

Features of chemical properties

What is the structural formula of isoprene? In the composition of this organic compound there are two double bonds. It is they who characterize the basic chemical interactions of this representative of diene compounds with other organic and inorganic substances. Isoprene is easily oxidized in air oxygen, while peroxide products are the reaction products.

Polymerization

Does isoprene enter polymerization? The general formula for the class to which this hydrocarbon belongs is CnH2n-2. Like other representatives of the homologous series of butadiene-1,3, isoprene is capable of forming a high-molecular compound.

In the process of polymerization, the formation of cis and trans isomers of polyisoprene, which are analogues of natural rubber.

Obtaining natural rubber

What is the preparation of isoprene? The reactions that take place in this case are connected with the conversion of the isoprene monomer into a polymer - polyisoprene. To isolate natural rubber having a similar structure with 2-methylbutadiene-1,3, lacteal juice of tropical trees is used.

The resulting juice is vulcanized, consisting in the treatment with sulfur chloride. In this chemical reaction, the rubber absorbs a certain amount of sulfur, acquiring plasticity, elasticity. The polymerization product is resistant to temperature changes, aggressive chemicals. The structural formula of isoprene explains the features of the process of vulcanization.

If for this chemical interaction to take sulfur in the range from 25 to 40 percent, you can get ebonite. This substance has a high strength, is used as an excellent insulating material. The structural formula of isoprene, which came into contact with sulfur, does not contain double bonds. It is the structure of the product and explains its mechanical strength.

Polyisoprene rubbers consider all polymers used in the manufacture of aircraft, automobile, bicycle chambers and tires.

What else can tell the structural formula of isoprene? It is capable of double bond reactions with molecules of halogenated hydrocarbons, halogens, hydrogen, and water. These reactions prove that isoprene belongs to the class of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Methods of industrial production

There are several ways to obtain industrial isoprene. For example, in the reaction of acetylene with acetone, the reaction involves the formation of an intermediate product of methylbutynol. After its hydrogenation, subsequent dehydration forms isoprene. It is also possible to obtain 2-methylbutadiene-1,3 from propylene. When selecting catalysts, methane can be obtained as an additional substance.

Application of isoprene

The bulk of the isoprene produced is used for the synthesis of isoprene rubber. It is almost identical in its physical and chemical characteristics to natural material. Among the spheres of application of the ready high-molecular compound, we call the production of automobile tires.

In addition to the cis-isomer, among the polymerization products there is also a trans-isomer having gutta-percha characteristics. It has no special industrial application. This polymer substance goes to the creation of golf balls, as well as to produce insulation of electrical wires. Among the important branches of the use of isoprene is the synthesis of polymeric materials of the styrene-isoprene-styrene type. Products of this kind are used as thermoplastic materials and pressure sensitive adhesives.

Isoprene is necessary for the synthesis of butyl rubber, its quantitative content in it reaches up to three percent.

Since the end of the last century, the commercial production of terpenes from the initial mixture of isoprene, acetylene, acetone began in the United States of America. The technology on which this method was based assumed a two-stage synthesis.