Fatty Acids Flashcards
What is the general formula for fatty acids?
CH3 (CH2)n COOH
Why are they called acids?
Contain carboxyl group COOH
Where are fatty acids found?
In all organic acids.
What happens to fatty acids in water?
Ionises or dissociates to produce hydrogen ions H+.
-COOH > -COO- + H+
What is the hydrocarbon chain of fatty acid made from?
Hydrogen
Carbon
What region varies between fatty acids?
Hydrocarbon Chain
How does the hydrocarbon chain vary?
Number of carbons
Presence or absence of double bonds between carbon atoms and their position
What are the characteristics of Stearic acid?
No double bonds
Saturated
What are the characteristics of Palmitic acid?
No double bonds
Saturated
What are the characteristics of Oleic acid?
Double bind in middle of hydrocarbon chain
Unsaturated
What is the hydrophobic region of a fatty acid?
Hydrocarbon chain
What is he hydrophilic region of a fatty acid?
Carboxyl group
What is the structure of saturated fatty acids? I.e. stearic and palmitic
Straight chains
What is the structure of unsaturated fatty acids? I.e. Oleic acid
‘Kink’ in chain produced by double bond
Why can saturated fatty acids pack more tightly together and have a higher melting point?
No double bond
Straight chains can pack closely
