Chloroprene

/ˈklɔːroʊˌpriːn/ noun

Definition

A synthetic rubber precursor, a volatile liquid made by chemically modifying natural rubber polymers, used to create neoprene.

Etymology

From chloro- (chlorine) plus -prene (from isoprene, a natural rubber building block), created by adding chlorine atoms to isoprene molecules.

Kelly Says

Chloroprene is the building block for neoprene, which revolutionized wet suits and protective gear—it's ironic that adding chlorine to a natural material creates something much more useful for extreme environments!

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