Product Overview
Liquid isoprene 99.50% is a colorless, volatile hydrocarbon classified as a conjugated diene, serving as the fundamental biological and industrial building block for natural rubber and a wide range of synthetic elastomers. As a key monomer in polymer chemistry, liquid isoprene offers unparalleled versatility due to its ability to polymerize into structures mimicking natural rubber (cis-1,4 polyisoprene) as well as various synthetic isomers. The production and consistent quality of high-purity liquid isoprene are critical for manufacturing high-performance tires, adhesives, and specialty polymers, bridging the gap between natural sources and synthetic material needs.
Basic Information
| CAS No. | 78-79-5 |
| UN No. | UN1218 (Isoprene, stabilized) |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₈ |
| Hazard Classification | 3 (Flammable liquid), 6.1 (Toxic substance) |
Key Attributes & Parameters
| Purity | Polymer-grade typically ≥99.0% to 99.5%, with strict controls on impurities like cyclopentadiene, carbonyls, and sulfur compounds that can inhibit or poison polymerization catalysts. |
| Physical State | Colorless to pale yellow, highly flammable liquid at room temperature. |
| Boiling Point | 34°C (93°F) |
| Flash Point | -54°C (-65°F) (closed cup) |
| Key Property | Contains conjugated double bonds, making it highly reactive and prone to polymerization. Must be stabilized with inhibitors (e.g., p-tert-butylcatechol, TBC) for safe storage and transport. |
Features & Advantages
Primary Monomer for Synthetic Natural Rubber
Can be polymerized to produce synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR), which closely mimics the structure and properties of natural rubber (Hevea rubber).
Versatile Building Block
Serves as a core monomer for a family of synthetic elastomers, including styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers for adhesives and isoprene-isobutylene rubber (IIR/butyl rubber).
High Purity for Optimal Polymerization
Polymer-grade liquid isoprene with minimal impurities ensures efficient catalyst performance, controlled molecular weight, and consistent polymer properties in Ziegler-Natta, anionic, or other polymerization processes.
Strategic Raw Material
Provides a stable, scalable, and quality-controlled alternative or supplement to natural rubber, mitigating supply chain volatility.
Functional Characteristics
Liquid isoprene (99.50%) is primarily used as a reactive diene monomer. Its conjugated double bond system allows it to participate in various chain-growth polymerization reactions. Under the action of specific catalysts (e.g., Ziegler-Natta catalysts, lithium-based catalysts), isoprene can polymerize to form polyisoprene with a controllable microstructure (cis-1,4, trans-1,4, or 3,4 addition). This control of the microstructure directly determines the elastic properties of the final polymer. It can also copolymerize with monomers such as styrene to form thermoplastic elastomers. Due to its high reactivity, stable liquid isoprene must be handled carefully, and inhibitors usually need to be removed before polymerization (e.g., by alkaline washing).
Primary Application Fields
Synthetic Rubber Production
The primary use is in manufacturing synthetic polyisoprene rubber (IR) for applications requiring high purity and consistency, such as surgical gloves, bottle nipples, and high-performance tire components.
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)
Key monomer in Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) block copolymers used in hot-melt adhesives, sealants, and footwear.
Butyl Rubber Modification
Used in the production of isoprene-isobutylene rubber (butyl rubber, IIR), where small amounts of isoprene provide sites for halogenation (chlorobutyl/bromobutyl rubber), essential for tire inner liners.
Chemical Intermediate
Serves as a precursor for the synthesis of terpenes, aroma chemicals, and vitamin A.
Customer Collaboration Case
A manufacturer of premium surgical and examination gloves sought to reduce their dependency on natural rubber latex due to supply inconsistencies and allergen concerns, while maintaining the superior elasticity and tactile sensitivity the medical field requires. They partnered with us to develop a formulation based on synthetic polyisoprene derived from our high-purity liquid isoprene. We supplied polymer-grade liquid isoprene with exceptionally low levels of residual cyclopentadiene and other catalyst poisons. Using a tailored anionic polymerization process, they produced synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene that matched the mechanical properties of the best natural rubber latex. The gloves produced from this material demonstrated excellent tensile strength, elongation, and crucially, were free from latex proteins that cause allergies. Our reliable supply of high-purity liquid isoprene enabled the customer to launch a successful "latex-safe" glove line, capturing a significant share of the sensitive medical market and establishing a more resilient supply chain.
FAQ
Hot Tags: liquid isoprene 99.50%, China liquid isoprene 99.50% manufacturers, suppliers, factory, Industrial Cyclopropane, N Butene 99 50 , 1 2 propadiene Allene , Pure Ethylene, Liquefied Propane Gas, Liquid Isoprene 99 50
