Q. 15.26 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Olive oil is monounsaturated, whereas butter fat is saturated. Why does olive oil have a lower melting point than butter fat?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

A "cis" dual debenture helps to create a rigid ${30}^{\circ }$ bend within the fats structure. As a matter of fact, the melting point is reduced.

Step1: Introduction

Lipid esters seem to be hydrophobic esters of fatty acids varies from minor to long chain.

There are two kinds of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. 

An unsaturated fatty acid is a long chain of carboxylic acids with double or triple bonds in its configuration. When a fat chain includes all of its single bonds, it is said to be saturated.

Step2: Given Information

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, whereas butter fat contains saturated fats.

Reason for olive oil have a lower melting point than butter fat.

Step3: Explanation

A "cis" dual debenture helps to create a rigid ${30}^{\circ }$ bend within the fats structure. As a matter of fact, the melting point is reduced.

Because olive oil is monounsaturated and butter fat is saturated, olive oil has a lower melting point than butter fat.