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Chapter 14: Problem 66

An example for a saturated fatty acid, present in nature is: (a) Oleic acid (b) Linoleic acid (c) Linolenic acid (d) Palmitic acid

Short Answer

Expert verified
The saturated fatty acid present in nature is (d) Palmitic acid.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon chain. They are saturated with hydrogen atoms.
02

Examine the Options

Review the chemical structures of the fatty acids listed in the options to determine which one has no double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain.
03

Choose the Correct Fatty Acid

Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, and Linolenic acid are unsaturated fatty acids with one or more double bonds. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with no double bonds, so it is the correct choice.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Hydrocarbon Chain
A hydrocarbon chain is the fundamental component of many organic molecules, including fatty acids.
Think of it as a line of interconnected carbon (C) atoms, with hydrogen (H) atoms attached to them. The number of carbon atoms can vary, which in turn defines the length of the chain.
These chains are the backbone of fatty acids and can affect the physical properties of the molecule, like whether it's solid or liquid at room temperature.
  • Longer chains tend to raise the melting point of the fatty acid, making them more likely to be solid at room temperature.
  • Conversely, shorter chains generally result in fatty acids that are liquid at room temperature.
This characteristic is essential when distinguishing between different types of fatty acids in foods and their impact on health.
Chemical Structures of Fatty Acids
The chemical structure of fatty acids consists of a hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group (COOH). The way hydrogen atoms are bonded along the carbon chain is crucial in classifying fatty acids.
Two main categories exist: saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids have each carbon atom in the chain bonded to two hydrogen atoms (except for the terminal carbon, which is bonded to three hydrogens), making the chain 'saturated' with hydrogen.
This structure impacts the fatty acid's properties:
  • Saturated fatty acids can pack tightly together, which often leads to a higher melting point and a solid state at room temperature.
  • They are typically found in animal fats and some tropical oils, and have been associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
Understanding the structure is not only crucial for chemistry students but also for those interested in nutrition and health sciences.
Double Bonds in Fatty Acids
Double bonds in fatty acids are a key structural difference that distinguishes unsaturated fatty acids from their saturated counterparts.
In the context of fatty acids, a double bond occurs when two carbon atoms share two pairs of electrons, reducing the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the chain. There are two types of unsaturated fatty acids:
  • Monounsaturated fats: These contain one double bond within the carbon chain and are generally healthier options.
  • Polyunsaturated fats: These contain two or more double bonds, influencing fluidity and melting point.
Double bonds create a kink in the hydrocarbon chain, hindering the tight packing of the molecules. This typically results in a lower melting point, making these fatty acids liquid at room temperature. They are found in various oils, nuts, and seeds, and have been linked to beneficial health effects, including improved heart health.

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