Isoprenoid compounds having 3000-6000 carbon atoms are called rubber. It is a type of polyterpene. Its molecular weight is about 3 lakh daltons. Artificial rubber is called gum rubber. It is involved in nearly 80% of the world’s industries. Rubber is found in the latex of tropical plants. Rubber is obtained from plants of the family Euphorbiaceae. Notable rubbers are Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Indian rubber (Ficus elastica), Panama rubber (Castilla elastica), serum rubber (Manihot glaziovii), gutta (Palaquium gutta), chicle (Achras sp.) etc.
Function of Rubber
The importance of rubber is immense in our health, education, food, housing, industry etc. Toys, gloves, erasers, glue, rubber bands, insulators, tires etc. are made from rubber. Combs and buttons are made from gata. Chewing gum is made from gum.