Following the nose

Chemically, natural rubber is a polymer called isoprene and is a long, repeating chain of a basic 5 carbon unit. Its full chemical name is 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene. Isoprenes are closely related to terpenes and other natural fatty acids, many of which have strong smells. So some where in there perhaps lies the clue?

Pete

Isoprene

Yes, only doesn't natural rubber have lots of other chemicals present in small amounts? This could be crucial, because when you make artificial rubber you don't get the smell - the smell you are looking for anyway ... ??

L

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The additional 'odour' chemicals are more than likely ketones which would go missing in artifical production. If only ATS or Kwik Fit could bottle that smell from there tyre store! Even better if Gates could do it for for their wellingtons!

Pete

Acetone is a ketone