Table 1.

Chemistry

Natural rubber	Gutta percha
“Cis” polyisoprene	“Trans” polyisoprene
CH2 groups on the same side of the double bond to form the polymer of natural rubber	CH2 (Methylene group), groups on opposite sides of the double bond to form the polymer known as gutta-percha
More kinked, which complicates alignment, allows for mobility of one chain with respect to another, and gives natural rubber its elastomeric character	More linear and crystallizes more readily. Consequently, harder, more brittle, and less elastic than natural rubber