Multiple Choice
Which type of fatty acid is missing two hydrogen atoms and contains one double bond between carbon atoms?
21
views
10. Lipids
Fatty Acids
Struggling with Biochemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is a fatty acid that is solid at room temperature?
A
Oleic acid (C_{18}H_{34}O_{2})
B
Linoleic acid (C_{18}H_{32}O_{2})
C
Palmitoleic acid (C_{16}H_{30}O_{2})
D
Stearic acid (C_{18}H_{36}O_{2})
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the physical properties of fatty acids. Fatty acids can be classified as saturated or unsaturated based on the presence of double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains. Saturated fatty acids lack double bonds, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.
Step 2: Recognize the relationship between saturation and physical state. Saturated fatty acids tend to be solid at room temperature due to their straight chains, which allow tight packing. Unsaturated fatty acids, with their kinks caused by double bonds, are usually liquid at room temperature.
Step 3: Analyze the chemical formulas provided. Oleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂), Linoleic acid (C₁₈H₃₂O₂), and Palmitoleic acid (C₁₆H₃₀O₂) are all unsaturated fatty acids, as their formulas indicate fewer hydrogen atoms due to the presence of double bonds. Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂), on the other hand, is a saturated fatty acid with no double bonds.
Step 4: Correlate the chemical structure with the physical state. Since Stearic acid is saturated, it is solid at room temperature, whereas the other fatty acids listed are unsaturated and likely liquid at room temperature.
Step 5: Conclude that Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) is the correct answer based on its saturation and physical state at room temperature.
Related Videos
Related Practice
