Butadiene is a colorless gas that is primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber. It is an important building block in the manufacture of various plastics and elastomers, which are materials that can stretch and return to their original shape. Butadiene is produced from petroleum and natural gas through a process called cracking. This compound is highly flammable and can be hazardous if inhaled in large quantities. Due to its reactivity, butadiene can form polymers, which are long chains of repeating units, making it essential in creating materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene. Safety measures are crucial when handling butadiene in industrial settings.