Isoprene price index

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Isoprene price index

This post is a summary of the isoprene price developments. The price developments of isoprene are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Isoprene price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Isoprene prices is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Isoprene prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Isoprene
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Isoprene prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Isoprene market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Isoprene price chart

What is Isoprene

Isoprene is a naturally occurring organic compound with the chemical formula C5H8. It is classified as a hydrocarbon and is considered a volatile organic compound (VOC). Isoprene is particularly notable for its role in the biosynthesis of natural rubber and other important organic compounds.

Here are a few key points about isoprene:

Natural Rubber

Isoprene is a key building block for natural rubber, which is obtained from the latex sap of certain trees, most notably the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The polymerization of isoprene molecules forms the long chains of natural rubber.

Biological Role

Isoprene is also produced by various plants, trees, and some microorganisms as part of their metabolic processes. It is emitted into the atmosphere in significant quantities as a volatile organic compound. These emissions play a role in atmospheric chemistry and can contribute to the formation of organic aerosols and other compounds in the atmosphere.

Chemical Structure

Isoprene is a five-carbon compound with a branched structure. It consists of two double bonds in its molecule, making it an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Its structure is often represented as CH2=C(CH3)CH=CH2.

Industrial Uses

Isoprene is not only important in the production of natural rubber but is also used as a starting material in the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including synthetic rubber, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.

Environmental Impact

Isoprene emissions from plants can contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols, which can affect air quality and have implications for climate change. Isoprene is also involved in atmospheric reactions that lead to the formation of ozone, a key component of both ground-level smog and stratospheric ozone.

Overall, isoprene is a chemically and biologically significant compound with various industrial and environmental implications.

How is Isoprene produced

Isoprene can be produced through various methods, both natural and industrial. Here are the primary ways in which isoprene is produced:

Natural Biosynthesis

Plants and Trees: Many plants, trees, and some microorganisms naturally produce isoprene as part of their metabolic processes. Isoprene is synthesized within the chloroplasts of plant cells through a series of enzymatic reactions, primarily involving the enzyme isoprene synthase. This process produces isoprene as a volatile compound, which can be emitted into the atmosphere.

Latex Production

Isoprene is a key component of the latex sap produced by rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). The latex contains polymeric isoprene, which is the basis for natural rubber.
Industrial Synthesis:

Petrochemical Production

Isoprene can be synthesized industrially from petroleum-derived feedstocks. The most common method is the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons such as isobutene or n-butane. In this process, high temperatures break down the feedstock molecules into smaller fragments, including isoprene.
Dehydrogenation: Isoprene can also be produced through the dehydrogenation of isopentane or isoamylene. This process involves removing hydrogen atoms from these compounds to form isoprene.

Biosynthetic Production

Some companies are researching and developing bio-based processes to produce isoprene using engineered microorganisms. These microbes are designed to produce isoprene as a biofuel or industrial chemical.
Hydrocarbon Isolation:

Isoprene can also be isolated from certain hydrocarbon mixtures, such as those produced in the refining of crude oil. It can be separated from these mixtures through processes like distillation or selective adsorption.

The industrial production of isoprene is important for the manufacturing of synthetic rubber, plastics, and various chemical compounds. However, it’s worth noting that natural sources, particularly emissions from plants and trees, are significant contributors to atmospheric isoprene levels and have implications for atmospheric chemistry and air quality.

What is Isoprene used for

Isoprene has several important industrial and biological applications due to its chemical structure and properties. Here are some of the primary uses of isoprene:

Rubber Production

Isoprene is a key raw material for the production of synthetic rubber, specifically polyisoprene rubber. This type of synthetic rubber has properties similar to natural rubber and is used in the manufacture of tires, conveyor belts, hoses, footwear, and various automotive and industrial products.

Plastics

Isoprene can be polymerized to create various types of elastomers and plastics. For example, it is used in the production of thermoplastic elastomers, which combine the properties of rubber and plastic and are used in applications like seals, gaskets, and flexible tubing.

Adhesives

Isoprene-based adhesives are known for their tackiness and strong bond-forming properties. They are used in applications such as pressure-sensitive adhesives, labels, and tapes.

Chemical Synthesis: Isoprene serves as a building block for the synthesis of various other chemical compounds. It can undergo various chemical reactions to produce compounds used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other specialty chemicals.

Biological Functions

In nature, isoprene is produced by plants and trees as a volatile organic compound. While its primary function in plants is not entirely clear, it is believed to play a role in protecting leaves from heat stress and oxidative damage. Isoprene emissions from vegetation can also contribute to atmospheric chemistry and aerosol formation.

Biofuels

Isoprene has been studied as a potential biofuel because it has a relatively high energy content. Some researchers have explored the possibility of using genetically engineered microorganisms to produce isoprene as a renewable biofuel.

Research and Chemical Intermediates

Isoprene is used in laboratory research and as an intermediate chemical in various processes, including the synthesis of other compounds.

Pharmaceuticals

Isoprene derivatives are sometimes used as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.

It’s important to note that while isoprene is a valuable industrial chemical, its use in rubber production, particularly for tires, is a significant contributor to air pollution because of the emissions of volatile organic compounds during the manufacturing process. Efforts are ongoing to develop more environmentally friendly alternatives in the rubber and tire industry.

What types of Isoprene are there

Isoprene itself refers to a specific chemical compound with the molecular formula C5H8. However, in a broader sense, “isoprene” can also be used to describe compounds or molecules that contain the isoprene structural unit or motif. There are several types of compounds and substances related to isoprene:

Isoprene (2-Methyl-1,3-butadiene)

This is the basic and most commonly referred to isoprene compound. It has the chemical formula C5H8 and is a branched-chain hydrocarbon with two double bonds.

Isoprenoids (Terpenoids)

Isoprenoids are a large and diverse class of organic compounds that are derived from isoprene units. They include compounds with multiple isoprene units linked together. Isoprenoids are found throughout nature and have various functions. Examples of isoprenoids include:

Terpenes

These are a subgroup of isoprenoids that have multiple isoprene units. Terpenes are commonly found in essential oils and have a wide range of biological and industrial applications.
Carotenoids: These are pigments found in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, and they play a role in photosynthesis and as antioxidants. Beta-carotene, for example, is a carotenoid.

Steroids

Steroids are a type of isoprenoid that includes hormones like testosterone and cholesterol.

Isoprene Rubber

This is a type of synthetic rubber that is made from polymerized isoprene monomers. It has similar properties to natural rubber and is commonly used in various industrial applications.

Isoprene Units in Biological Molecules

Isoprene units are also found in various biological molecules, such as the side chains of certain amino acids and the lipid tail groups in some membrane lipids.

So, while “isoprene” typically refers to the specific compound C5H8, it can also be used to describe a broader class of compounds and molecules that contain isoprene-based structural elements or units. These compounds can have diverse functions and applications in both nature and industry.

How big is the Isoprene market

According to https://oec.world/ :

Buta-1, 3-diene and isoprene are the world’s 1429th most traded product.

In 2020, the top exporters of Buta-1, 3-diene and isoprene were Netherlands ($314M), Germany ($197M), Brazil ($119M), South Korea ($114M), and Singapore ($103M).

In 2020, the top importers of Buta-1, 3-diene and isoprene were South Korea ($277M), China ($219M), United States ($194M), Netherlands ($145M), and Chinese Taipei ($140M).

Further information

• Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
• PubChem for chemistry and property  information