What is the main difference in the structure of natural rubber and gutta-percha ?

Explanation

To answer the question about the main difference in the structure of natural rubber and gutta-percha, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Composition of Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is primarily composed of polyisoprene, which is a polymer made from the monomer isoprene (C5H8). The structure of polyisoprene consists of long chains of repeating isoprene units, which can have a cis-configuration that allows for flexibility and elasticity.

### Step 2: Understand the Composition of Gutta-Percha
Gutta-percha, on the other hand, is also made from polyisoprene but has a different configuration. The polyisoprene in gutta-percha predominantly has a trans-configuration. This trans-configuration leads to a more rigid and less elastic structure compared to natural rubber.

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