JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pl037
Which statement about the vulcanisation of natural rubber with sulfur is correct?
ASulfur adds to every double bond and gives a saturated linear polymer
BSulfur converts cis-polyisoprene into trans-polyisoprene
CSulfur gives a thermoplastic which becomes soft and sticky at lower temperature than raw rubber
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 S bridges between chains near the C=C bonds. Only some double bonds are used, so the rubber stays elastic but becomes harder, stronger and usable over a wider temperature range.