Definition

Noun: * A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid (chemical formula C₄H₅Cl) that is a derivative of butadiene. It is primarily used as the monomer in the industrial production of the synthetic rubber known as neoprene through a chemical process called polymerization.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory specializes in producing chloroprene for the rubber industry.
  • Proper ventilation is essential when handling chloroprene due to its volatile nature.
  • The polymerization of chloroprene results in a durable, synthetic elastomer.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical Synthesis: In technical contexts, "chloroprene" refers specifically to the raw monomeric chemical (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene) before it is polymerized.
  • The process involves the catalytic conversion of vinylacetylene to chloroprene.

Variants and Related Words

• Neoprene (n): The synthetic rubber polymer made from polymerized chloroprene, known for its resistance to oil, heat, and weathering.
  • Wetsuits are commonly made from neoprene.

Synonyms

• 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene (n): The systematic IUPAC chemical name for chloroprene.

Related Terms

• Monomer (n): A molecule that can bind chemically to other molecules to form a polymer. Chloroprene is the monomer for neoprene.
• Polymerization (n): The chemical process in which monomers like chloroprene join together to form a polymer chain.
• Elastomer (n): A polymer with elastic properties, such as the neoprene produced from chloroprene.

Noun

1. derivative of butadiene used in making neoprene by polymerization