Question

Gutta Percha is _________.
A. trans-polyisoprene
B. non-elastic and softens to a plastic-like material on heating.
C. used in underwater cables and golf clubs
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Gutta-percha is a tree belonging to the genus Palaquium in the family Sapotaceae. The name also refers to the naturally and biologically inert, rigid, electrically non-conductive, resilient, thermoplastic latex developed and produced from the sap of the tree, specifically from Palaquium gutta. It is a polymer of isoprene that acts like a rubber-like elastomer.

Complete answer:
Gutta-percha, chemically, is a polyterpene which is a polymer of isoprene, or polyisoprene and to be specific, trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The cis-structure of polyisoprene forms the common latex elastomer. While latex rubbers are non-crystalline or amorphous in molecular structure, gutta-percha which is the trans-isomer, crystallizes, leading to develop more rigidity in the material.
Gutta-percha latex is biologically inert, resilient, and is a good electrical insulator and does not allow current to flow through it and provides high resistance to the current. The latex has a high dielectric strength. The wood of many species is also valuable and is of high economic value.
Due to its bio-inert nature, gutta percha is suitable for developing marine cables and it does not react readily with the human skin or the body. It is used in a variety of surgical devices and during the root canal therapy.

So, the correct answer is Option D .

Note:
If we allow this fluid to vaporize and coagulate under the sun, latex is produced. This could be made flexible again by applying hot water but it would not become brittle unlike rubber, before the discovery of the vulcanization process took place.