Vulcanization of rubber is carried out by heating a mixture of

We need to identify the correct mixture used in the vulcanization of rubber.

What is vulcanization?

Vulcanization is a chemical process in which natural rubber is heated with sulphur to improve its properties. The sulphur forms cross-links between polymer chains, making the rubber harder, more durable, and more resistant to temperature changes.

What is natural rubber?

Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene). Its structure is cis-1,4-polyisoprene.

Now let us check each option:

Option A: Isoprene and styrene — This combination would produce a copolymer, not vulcanized rubber. No sulphur means no cross-linking.

Option B: Neoprene and sulphur — Neoprene is a synthetic rubber (polychloroprene), not natural rubber. Vulcanization specifically refers to natural rubber (polyisoprene) with sulphur.

Option C: Isoprene and sulphur — Natural rubber (polyisoprene) heated with sulphur is the correct description of vulcanization.

Option D: Neoprene and styrene — This does not involve sulphur and uses synthetic rubber.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Isoprene and sulphur.