Q. 15.28 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

How does the percentage of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in olive oil compare to that of canola oil?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Olive oils contain approximately $83\%$ monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas canola oils consist approximately $65\%.$

Olive oils contain approximately $5\%$ polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas canola oils contain approximately $30\%$ polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Step1: Introduction.

Lipids are a class of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, triglycerides, and others. 

Triglycerides are lipids that comprise glycerol bound to three fatty acids, such as fats and oils. 

The carbon chain in fatty acid is long and unbranched, with a carboxylic acid group at one end. Saturated fatty acids have only single carbon-carbon bonds, whereas unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double carbon-carbon bonds.

Step2: Given Information

To compare the percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in olive oil and canola oil.

Step3: Explanation.

Olive oils contain approximately $83\%$ monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas canola oils consist approximately $65\%$.

Olive oils contain approximately $5\%$ polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas canola oils contain approximately $30\%$ polyunsaturated fatty acids.