Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

23. Lipids

Triacylglycerols

GOB Chemistry

23. Lipids

Triacylglycerols

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2:27 minutes

Problem 38

Textbook Question

Draw the structure of glyceryl trilaurate, which is made from glycerol and three lauric acid molecules.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the components: Glyceryl trilaurate is a triester formed from glycerol (a three-carbon molecule with three hydroxyl groups, \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_8\text{O}_3 \)) and three lauric acid molecules (a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid, \( \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{24}\text{O}_2 \)).

Recognize the esterification process: Each hydroxyl group on glycerol reacts with the carboxylic acid group (\( \text{-COOH} \)) of lauric acid to form an ester bond (\( \text{-COO} \)) and release water (\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)).

Draw the glycerol backbone: Start with a vertical chain of three carbon atoms, each bonded to a hydroxyl group (\( \text{-OH} \)) and sufficient hydrogens to satisfy the valency of carbon.

Attach the lauric acid chains: Replace each hydroxyl group on glycerol with an ester bond (\( \text{-COO} \)) connected to the 12-carbon chain of lauric acid. Ensure that each lauric acid chain is fully saturated (no double bonds) and ends with a methyl group (\( \text{-CH}_3 \)).

Verify the structure: Confirm that the final structure has three ester bonds, a glycerol backbone, and three lauric acid chains, each containing 12 carbons. The molecular formula of glyceryl trilaurate should be \( \text{C}_{39}\text{H}_{74}\text{O}_6 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Glycerol Structure

Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a simple polyol compound with three hydroxyl (–OH) groups. Its structure consists of a three-carbon chain, where each carbon is attached to a hydroxyl group. This unique structure allows glycerol to act as a backbone for triglycerides, forming the basis for lipid molecules like glyceryl trilaurate.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end. Lauric acid, specifically, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain. When fatty acids like lauric acid react with glycerol, they form esters, which are the building blocks of triglycerides, such as glyceryl trilaurate.

Esterification Reaction

Esterification is a chemical reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, resulting in the formation of an ester and water. In the case of glyceryl trilaurate, glycerol undergoes esterification with three lauric acid molecules, leading to the formation of a triglyceride. This reaction is crucial in the synthesis of fats and oils in biological systems.

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Textbook Question

Identify each of the following as a fatty acid, soap, triacylglycerol, wax, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, or steroid:

d. glyceryl tripalmitate (tripalmitin)

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Textbook Question

One of the main triglycerides in palm oil is tripalmitin. It contains three fatty acids with carbon designations of, [16:0]. Draw the structure of tripalmitin. Would you expect this molecule to be a solid or liquid at room temperature?

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Textbook Question

For each of the conjugated proteins described, identify to which class of conjugated protein it belongs.

a. Cholesterol is attached to this protein in order to move through the blood system.

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Open Question

Draw a skeletal structure of a triglyceride with linolenic acid (C1) and 2 palmitoleic acids. State whether it would have high or low melting point.

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Textbook Question

There are two isomeric triacylglycerol molecules whose components are glycerol, one palmitic acid unit, and two stearic acid units. Draw the structures of both, and explain how they differ.

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Textbook Question

Draw the structure of a triacylglycerol made from two molecules of myristic acid and one molecule of linolenic acid.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following terms apply to the compound shown below? (Hint: Look at the functional groups and the bonds involved to begin analyzing the compound part by part in comparison to the lipids discussed in this chapter.)

e. A lipid

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Textbook Question

Identify the components (1 to 6) contained in each of the following lipids (a to d):

1. glycerol

2. fatty acid

3. phosphate

4. amino alcohol

5. steroid nucleus

6. sphingosine

d. triacylglycerol