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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pl037

Which statement about the vulcanisation of natural rubber with sulfur is correct?

  1. ASulfur adds to every double bond and gives a saturated linear polymer
  2. BSulfur converts cis-polyisoprene into trans-polyisoprene
  3. CSulfur gives a thermoplastic which becomes soft and sticky at lower temperature than raw rubber
  4. DSulfur forms cross-links between chains at the reactive allylic sites near the double bonds, which increases hardness and tensile strength

Answer: D

Sulfur (about 3-5 percent for tyre rubber) forms bridges between chains near the bonds. Only some double bonds are used, so the rubber stays elastic but becomes harder, stronger and usable over a wider temperature range.
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