1. A volatile hydrocarbon compound (C₅H₈) that is the basic building block of natural rubber and is used in the synthesis of synthetic rubber and other polymers.
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Isoprene is the monomer from which natural rubber is polymerized in rubber trees.
• Synthetic rubber is manufactured by polymerizing isoprene in industrial facilities.
• The chemical structure of isoprene contains two double bonds that allow it to link together.
• Isoprene is also produced naturally by plants and is found in the atmosphere.
• Many tire manufacturers use isoprene-based synthetic rubber in their products.