Acrolein is used to make plastics. Suppose this compound can be prepared by inserting a carbon monoxide molecule into the C—H bond of ethylene.

(a) Which is the stronger carbon–carbon bond in acrolein?
(b) Which is the longer carbon–carbon bond in acrolein?
(c) Is ethylene or acrolein polar?
(d) Use bond dissociation enthalpies to predict whether the reaction of CO with C₂H₄ to give acrolein is endothermic or exothermic.

Transcribed Image Text:

Н Н c=c + :c=0: Н Н Ethylene Н H_C=0 c=c Н Н Acrolein