Question

Which are the main functional groups of acrolein?
(A) Aldehyde
(B) Alkene
(C) Nitrile
(D) Ester

Answer 1

Hint: Think about what acrolein is. We know that acrolein is used in manufacturing of various polymers used in paints, plastics, polishers, etc. Write the structure of acrolein. Functional group is the characteristic atom or group of atoms which gives a compound its physical and chemical property. Mark the functional groups present in acrolein to get the answer.

Complete step by step solution:
- Acrolein is commonly known as Propenal.
- Its structure is $C{{H}_{2}}=CH-CHO$
- It is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde.
- Acrolein is a colourless liquid with a piercing acrid smell.
- From the structure, we can see that acrolein has two main functional groups. One is aldehyde and another is double bond that is alkene.

- Therefore, the answer is options (A) and (B).

Additional Information:
- Acrolein finds its applications in manufacturing paints, polishes, plastics, and other polymers.
- Acrolein is produced when cooking oil is heated up to its smoke point. Acrolein is a by-product which is produced during combustion of organic compounds like fossil fuels or tobacco smoke.
- Acrolein is toxic, carcinogenic and an environmental contaminant.

Note: Remember acrolein is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. It is used to make acrylic acid. It is an excellent disinfectant and controls growth of slime, microorganisms, algae and plants in the paper industry, oil wells, irrigation canals, cooling-water towers, liquid hydrocarbon fuels, water treatment facilities, etc. It is highly toxic and carcinogenic.