Fatty Acids

Question 1

What are fatty acids?

Answer 1

Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids

Question 2

What is the structure of fatty acids?

Answer 2

-Most naturally occurring fatty acids contain:

1)An even number of carbon atoms and are unbranched because they are synthesized from acetate

2)Can be saturated or unsaturated

Question 3

What is acetate?

Answer 3

a 2-carbon compound

Question 4

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)

Answer 4

Contain more than 1 double bond

Question 5

Double bonds Properties

Answer 5

1)Double-bonds are cis-configurations and are always separated by one CH2 group (not conjugated)

2)The cis double-bond results in the fatty acid having a lower melting point compared with saturated fatty acid with the same carbon numbers

Question 6

Properties of Fatty Acids

Answer 6

1)Fatty acids are long-chain carboxylic acids with non-polar hydrocarbon tail and a polar head group

2)Molecules having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties
-Which makes it amphipathic molecules, however because of the very long hydrocarbon chain, FA generally exhibit a hydrophobic nature

3)The carboxylic acid group can react with alkalis to form salt
-These salts are amphipathic (amphiphilic) and can act as surfactants/detergents