Question

What is the formula of Acrolein?
(A)$C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CHO$
(B)$C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CN$
(C)$C{{H}_{2}}=CH-COOH$
(D)$C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CON{{H}_{2}}$

Answer 1

Hint: Acrolein is a common name of an organic compound. It has a molar mass of 56.06g/mol. Acrolein enters the air from the burning of fossils fuels and tobacco smoke. It is an unsaturated compound.

Complete step by step solution:
The formula of Acrolein is $C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CHO$. Acrolein is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. It is a colourless liquid with a piercing, acrid smell. The smell of burnt fat is caused by glycerol in the burning fat breaking down into Acrolein.
The name of other formulas are as follows:
(B) option has the formula $C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CN$. Name of this formula is Acronitrile. It is a colourless volatile liquid although can be yellow due to impurities. It has a pungent odour of garlic or onions.
(C) option has the formula$C{{H}_{2}}=CH-COOH$. Name of this formula is Acrylic acid. Acrylic acid exists as a liquid, soluble in water, and a weakly acidic compound. Acrylic acid participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. Acrylic acid can be biosynthesized by acrolein.
(D) option has the formula $C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CON{{H}_{2}}$. Name of this formula is Acrylamide. It is a white odourless solid, soluble in water and in several organic solvents. It is produced industrially as a precursor to polyacrylamides. It is used in the production of dyes, paper and plastics, and in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater, including sewage.

The correct answer is (A) option.

Note: Acrolein is fatal when swallowed and causes burns to skin and eyes. Acrolein is a relatively electrophilic compound. It is a good Michael acceptor. Acrolein is an environmental contaminant and a carcinogen.