Nomenclature
CAS number: 9000-32-2
Description and references
The purified, coagulated, milky exudate of
various trees of the genus Palaquium, Sapotaceae. Habit. Malayan Archipelago. Extensive review: Williams, Econ. Bot. 18, 5-26 (1964). Defined
as a trans isomer of rubber. Rubber has a repeat period
of 8.2 , whereas α-gutta-percha has 8.7 and β-gutta-percha has
4.8 . The short period of β-gutta-percha identifies it almost uniquely
as an all-trans polyisoprene.
Properties
Becomes pliable at 25-30°, plastic at 60°. mp 100° (partial dec). On exposure to air and sunlight, it absorbs oxygen and becomes
brittle. Insol in water; partially sol in hot alcohol; 90% or more
dissolves in chloroform, carbon disulfide, petr ether, oil of turpentine.
Keep under water and protected from light.Use
Insulator in electrotechnics, as dental cement;
in orthopedics for fracture splints; manuf surgical instruments; covering
golf balls.