
Isoprene is a common name for the chemical compound 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene. At room temperature, purified isoprene is a highly flammable, colorless liquid that can be easily ignited. It is formed naturally in animals and plants and is the most commonly obtained during processing of petroleum or coal tar and is used as a chemical raw material. It is used to manufacture styrene isoprene styrene, isobutylene isoprene, and polyisoprene. Natural isoprene rubber offer various properties such as flexibility, and high tensile strength. Additionally, polymer grade synthetic polyisoprene has different properties than natural rubber such as it acts as viscosity increasing agent, clean and hypoallergenic.