Q. 15.5 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Describe some similarities and differences in the structures of a saturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Saturated fatty acid has no carbon carbon double bond else they have all single bond making them like alkane while unsaturated fatty acid has at least one carbon carbon double bond.

Step 1: Given information

Similarities and differences in the structures of a saturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid

Step 2: An Introduction

Fatty acids are a component of fat in our body and diet. During digestion, the body converts lipids into fatty acids, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. Fatty acid molecules usually combine in three groups  to form a molecule known as  triglyceride.

Step 3: Determine the similarities and differences in the structures of a saturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid.

Saturated fatty acids have no carbon carbon double bonds, else they have all single bonds, making them like alkanes, while unsaturated fatty acids have at least one carbon carbon double bond, which makes them like alkenes.