Fatty Acids and Glycerol
Structure and types of fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated) and the structure of glycerol.
What is Fatty Acids and Glycerol?
A carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated.
Key formula / rule: General Fatty Acid Structure
Key points
- Define fatty acids and glycerol.
- Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
- Explain the structure of glycerol.
- Describe the formation of triglycerides.
Common exam trap
Confusing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids based on their physical state.
Definitions
- Term
Fatty Acid
- Meaning
A carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated.
- Term
Saturated Fatty Acid
- Meaning
A fatty acid in which the hydrocarbon chain contains only single bonds between carbon atoms.
- Term
Unsaturated Fatty Acid
- Meaning
A fatty acid in which the hydrocarbon chain contains one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.
- Term
Glycerol
- Meaning
A simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. It is a trihydroxy alcohol.
- Term
Triglyceride
- Meaning
An ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. It is the main constituent of body fat in humans and animals, as well as vegetable fat.
- Term
Amphipathic
- Meaning
Having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
Learning objectives
Define fatty acids and glycerol.
Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
Explain the structure of glycerol.
Describe the formation of triglycerides.
Formulae
- Name
General Fatty Acid Structure
- Note
Where R is a long hydrocarbon chain.
- Expression
R-COOH
- Name
Glycerol Structure
- Note
Propane-1,2,3-triol
- Expression
CH2(OH)-CH(OH)-CH2(OH)
Prerequisites
Basic organic chemistry (functional groups, nomenclature)
Understanding of chemical bonding and structure
Concept of polarity and intermolecular forces
Common mistakes
Confusing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids based on their physical state.
Not understanding the amphipathic nature of fatty acids.
Incorrectly identifying the number of ester linkages in a triglyceride.
Assuming all fatty acids are essential.
Keywords
Fatty acid
Glycerol
Saturated
Unsaturated
Triglyceride
Amphipathic
Carboxyl group
Hydrocarbon chain
Ester linkage
Practice preview
Glycerol is a type of alcohol. What is its IUPAC name?…
easy
Which of the following is a saturated fatty acid?…
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Glycerol is a type of alcohol. What is its chemical formula?…
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