Chapter 30: Problem 12
Which of the following contains isoprene units? (a) natural rubber (b) Nylon-6, 6 (c) polyethylene (d) Dacron
Short Answer
Expert verified
Natural rubber contains isoprene units.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Isoprene Structures
Isoprene, a building block of terpenes, has the molecular formula \( C_5H_8 \). It is a hydrocarbon, characterized by the formula \( CH_2=C(CH_3)CH=CH_2 \). Isoprene units often make up natural rubber and various other natural compounds.
02
Analyze Each Option for Isoprene Units
We need to evaluate each option to determine if it contains isoprene units:
- **Natural Rubber (a):** Made up of polyisoprene, which are repeating units of isoprene.
- **Nylon-6,6 (b):** A synthetic polymer made from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, not containing isoprene.
- **Polyethylene (c):** Made from ethylene monomers, not related to isoprene.
- **Dacron (d):** A type of polyester made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, not containing isoprene.
03
Confirm Natural Rubber Contains Isoprene
Natural rubber is explicitly composed of polyisoprene, which directly indicates that it contains isoprene units. The other polymers are synthesized from different kinds of monomers that do not involve isoprene units.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is an elastic material that originates from the latex sap of rubber trees. It is notably comprised of the compound polyisoprene, which is a polymer formed from repeating units of isoprene. This gives natural rubber its characteristic elasticity and resilience, which are highly valued in many applications. Natural rubber maintains its form and functionality across a range of temperatures, making it invaluable in products like tires and gaskets.
- Natural rubber offers high tensile strength, allowing it to stretch significantly without breaking.
- It possesses good abrasion resistance, making it durable under various conditions.
- The material is also highly versatile, used in numerous industries, from automotive to healthcare.
Polyisoprene
Polyisoprene is a natural or synthetic polymer that comes from the polymerization process of isoprene units. When discussing natural rubber, what we are really talking about is the polyisoprene compound found in the sap of rubber trees. Polyisoprene is integral to the structure and properties of natural rubber, granting it significant flexibility and strength.
Isoprene units are the core building blocks of polyisoprene, and they align in a way that enhances the elastic properties that make this material so useful. In the natural state, polyisoprene has a "cis" configuration, which is key to maintaining elasticity.
- In its natural form, it’s harvested from trees and refined into usable rubber.
- Synthetic polyisoprene can be created in laboratories, mimicking the properties of its natural counterpart.
- The presence of consecutive double bonds in the polymer chain is crucial for its elasticity and other mechanical properties.
Synthetic Polymers
Unlike natural rubber, synthetic polymers are manufactured materials derived from petroleum and other fossil fuel byproducts. While not all synthetic polymers contain isoprene units, they are often designed to emulate the properties of natural substances like rubber or to withstand conditions that natural rubbers cannot. Nylon-6,6 and polyethylene are examples of synthetic polymers, each made from different starting materials and serving various functions.
- Nylon-6,6 is crafted from hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid, often used in textiles due to its strong, silk-like nature.
- Polyethylene, on the other hand, is ubiquitous in packaging, known for its versatility and resistance to moisture.
- These materials do not contain isoprene and are typically non-biodegradable.