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Chapter 19: Problem 34

What is the chemical difference between an oil and a fat?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The chemical difference between fats and oils lies in the saturation of their fatty acids. Fats have predominantly saturated fatty acids and are solid at room temperature, while oils have predominantly unsaturated fatty acids and are liquid at room temperature.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Fat and Oil

Fat and oil are both types of lipids and consist of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acids. The difference between them lies mainly in the type and saturation of the fatty acids connected to the glycerol.
02

Explain Saturated Fatty Acid

In fats, the fatty acids are generally saturated, meaning they contain the maximum possible amount of hydrogen atoms and have no double bonds between carbon atoms. Consequently, they are solid at room temperature.
03

Explain Unsaturated Fatty Acid

In oils, the fatty acids are generally unsaturated, meaning they contain one or more double bonds between carbon atoms. This reduces the number of hydrogen atoms that can be attached. Oils consist predominantly of unsaturated fats, which means they remain liquid at room temperature.

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