Q. 15.22 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for a mixed triacylglycerol that contains two palmitic acid molecules and one oleic acid molecule on the center carbon of glycerol.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Step 1: Given data

The condensed structural formula for a mixed triacylglycerol that contains two palmitic acid molecules and one oleic acid molecule on the center carbon of glycerol. 

Step 2: An Introduction

The triacylglycerols are the predominant form of dietary lipids found in fats and oils, whether derived from plants or animals. Triacylglycerols are composed of three fatty acids

Step 3: Determine the condensed structural formula for a mixed triacylglycerol that contains two palmitic acid molecules and one oleic acid molecule on the center carbon of glycerol.

Glycerol is an alcohol and palmitic and oleic acids are carboxylic acids, which means that the given reaction is basically a multiple esterification.

To draw the triacylglyceride product draw the structure of glycerol and the given carboxylic acids and then bond the alkoxy groups from glycerol to the carbonyl groups of the carboxylic acids instead of the hydroxy groups.