Isoprene, also known as 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene or 2-methylpropene, is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C5H8. It is a colorless liquid with a pleasant smell that is widely used in the manufacture of rubber and other products. Isoprene is produced naturally by plants and animals, and is also a major component of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Isoprene was first isolated from the essential oil of turpentine in 1859 by the French chemist Marcelin Berthelot. It was later synthesized from acetylene by German chemist Fritz Haber in 1896. Today, most commercial isoprene is produced by catalytic dehydrogenation of petroleum fractions containing pentenes.
Isoprene has many uses due to its unique properties. It is an important monomer in the production of synthetic rubber, which is used in tires, hoses, gaskets, and other products that require good elasticity and resistance to heat and abrasion. Isoprene is also used as a solvent for paints, resins, and adhesives; as a additive for lubricants; and as a dopant for semiconductor manufacturing. In addition,isoprene serves as a starting material for the synthesis of various chemicals such as tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and dienes used in polymerization processes.
The main hazard associated with isoprene exposure is its flammability; however it poses little threat to human health due to its low toxicity.