butadiene

Butadiene is a type of organic compound, a hydrocarbon with four carbon atoms connected in a chain and two double bonds between some of those carbons. It is a colorless, gas-like substance used as a building block in manufacturing plastics, rubber, and synthetic materials. Because of its reactive double bonds, butadiene can easily be transformed into different polymers, especially synthetic rubber used in tires and other products. It is produced mainly from petroleum or natural gas and is important in industry, but handling it requires care due to its flammable nature and potential health risks.