Overview

Isoprene (EYE-so-preen) is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid that is both very flammable and quite explosive. It is classified as a diene compound because its molecules contain two ("di-") double bonds ("-ene"). It is also a member of the terpene family. The terpenes are a large family of organic compounds that contain two or more isoprene units. An example of a terpene is vitamin A, whose molecular formula is C₂₀H₃₀O. Vitamin A contains four isoprene units. The terpenes occur abundantly in nature in both plants and animals.

Key Facts

Other Names:

2-methyl-1,3-butadiene

Formula:

CH₂=CH(CH₃)CH=CH₂

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen

Compound Type:

Alkadiene; unsaturated hydrocarbon (organic)

State:

Liquid

Molecular Weight:

68.12 g/mol

Melting Point:

−145.9°C (−230.6°F)

Boiling Point:

34.0°C (93.2°F)

Solubility:

Insoluble in water; miscible with ethyl alcohol, acetone, ether, and benzene

Some common terpenes include geraniol, found in geraniums; limonene, oil of...