Esters Fats And Oils Flashcards
How can esters be named?
Based on the names of their parent alcohol and carboxylic acid
This naming convention reflects the components used to form the ester.
What type of alcohols and carboxylic acids are considered when naming esters?
Primary, straight-chain alcohols with more than eight carbons and straight-chain carboxylic acids with no more than eight carbons
The structure of the parent compounds influences the properties of the ester.
What are the uses of esters?
Used as flavourings and fragrances, and as solvents for non-polar compounds that do not dissolve in water
Many esters have pleasant, fruity smells which make them ideal for these applications.
How are esters formed?
By a condensation reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid
This process involves the elimination of a small molecule.
What is eliminated when an ester link is formed?
Water
The elimination of water occurs during the condensation reaction between the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.
What is the structural formula for an ester link?
-COO-
What small molecule is eliminated when an ester link is formed?
Water
What can esters be hydrolysed to produce?
An alcohol and a carboxylic acid
What reaction involves a molecule reacting with water to break down into smaller molecules?
Hydrolysis
What are edible fats and oils formed from?
The condensation of glycerol and three carboxylic acid molecules
What are the carboxylic acids in edible fats and oils commonly known as?
‘Fatty acids’
What is the relationship between melting points and the degree of unsaturation in edible oils?
Edible oils have lower melting points than edible fats
What prevents oil molecules from packing closely together?
Double bonds in fatty acid chains
What happens to the van der Waals forces of attraction with an increase in double bonds?
They become weaker
What is the effect of greater degrees of unsaturation on melting points?
The lower the melting point
What happens to unsaturated compounds in bromine solution?
They quickly decolourise
What occurs in an addition reaction with bromine molecules?
Bromine molecules add across the carbon-carbon double bonds
What is the relationship between the number of double bonds and bromine solution decolourisation?
The greater the double bonds present, the more bromine solution can be decolourised
What are fats and oils a concentrated source of?
Energy
Fats and oils provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.
What is one essential function of fats and oils in the body?
Transport and storage of fat-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.
