Question

Which among the following represents a saturated fatty acid?
1: Oleic acid, C17Hz;COOH
2: Palmitic acid, CisH3COOH
3: Linoleic acid, C1H31COOH

Answer 1

Explanation:

palmitic acid, cisH3cooH

Answer 2

Palmitic acid represents a saturated fatty acid.

• Fatty acids are mainly of two types- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are without double bonds in their carbon chains. They have higher melting points and are solid at room temperature. They have a general formula of $C_{n} H_{2n} O_{2}$. Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, etc are some examples of saturated fats. Animal fats also are mostly saturated fats.
• Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chains. They have lower melting points and are liquid at room temperature. Their general formula is $C_{n} H_{2n-2x} O_{2}$. Oleic acid (with one double bond), Linoleic acid (with two double bonds), Linolenic acid (with three double bonds), and Arachidonic acid (with four double bonds) are some examples. Plant fats are generally unsaturated fats.

#SPJ3