What Is Chloroprene?
Chloroprene, also known as 2-Chloro-1,3-butadiene, is a halogenated alkene. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, insoluble in water but soluble in diethyl ether, acetone, and benzene. Chloroprene is typically stored at low temperatures with stabilizers to prevent violent polymerization and peroxide formation.
Uses of Chloroprene
The primary use of chloroprene is as a raw material for producing chloroprene rubber, commonly known as neoprene. Unlike natural rubber, which has a cis double bond, chloroprene rubber features a trans double bond, placing the substituent on the opposite side.
Chloroprene rubber, obtained by emulsion polymerization of chloroprene, exhibits superior qualities compared to natural rubber, including enhanced weather, oil, heat, chemical, and flame resistance, as well as strong adhesion. These properties make it widely used in various applications, such as industrial hoses, conveyor belts, adhesives, and automobile interiors and exteriors.