Isoprene

Abstract Isoprene is a colorless, volatile liquid that is soluble in most hydrocarbons, but is practically insoluble in water. The isoprene unit exists extensively in nature. It is found in terpenes, camphors, Vitamin A and K, chlorophyll and other compounds isolated from plants and animals. Isoprene is highly reactive and its reactions are similar to those of butadiene. Russia dominates the world in terms of high purity isoprene capacity, production, and consumption. A principal route for the production of isoprene is recovery from ethylene by‐products streams. High purity isoprene is used almost in its entirety to produce polyisoprene. Isoprene emissions play an dominant role in atmospheric chemistry.