Question

Acrolein (X) is one of the chemicals formed when \( O_3 \) and \( NO_2 \) react with unburnt hydrocarbons present in polluted air. The structure of 'X' is:

• A. \( CH_3-CH=CH_2 \)
• B. \( CH_2=CH-CHO \)
• C. \( CH_2=CH-CN \)
• D. \( CH_3CO(OO)NO_2 \)
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Hint:

Acrolein is an unsaturated aldehyde with the formula \( CH_2=CH-CHO \), commonly found in smoke and pollutants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identifying Acrolein
- Acrolein (\( CH_2=CH-CHO \)) is an unsaturated aldehyde.
- It is formed due to the reaction of ozone (\( O_3 \)) and nitrogen dioxide (\( NO_2 \)) with hydrocarbons in polluted air.
Step 2: Eliminating Incorrect Options
- (1) \( CH_3-CH=CH_2 \): This is propene, not an aldehyde.
- (3) \( CH_2=CH-CN \): This is acrylonitrile, not acrolein.
- (4) \( CH_3CO(OO)NO_2 \): This is peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), a different pollutant.
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