Q. 15.33 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Use line-angle formulas to write the balanced chemical equation for the acid hydrolysis of glyceryl trimyristate (trimyristin).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced chemical equation for glyceryl trimyristate acid hydrolysis is:

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 end group. 

Unsaturated fatty acids include one or more double carbon-carbon bonds, whereas saturated fatty acids have just single carbon-carbon bonds.

Step2: Given Information.

Write a balanced chemical equation for the acid hydrolysis of glyceryl trimyristate using line-angle formulas (trimyristin).

Step3: Explanation.

Three fatty acids are formed when triacylglycerols are hydrolyzed in the presence of strong acids such as $HCl$ or $H_{2}S{O}_4$ glycerol.

The balanced chemical equation for glyceryl trimyristate acid hydrolysis is: