Saturated fatty acids possess _____bonds between carbon atoms and are ______ at room temperature.

Options

A. single, solids
B. double, solids
C. single, liquids
D. double, liquids

Answer

A

Explanation

Fatty acids are of two main types-saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids are without double bonds in their carbon chains. They have higher melting points and are solids at room temperature. They have a general formula of `C_(n)H(2n)O_(2)` e.g., `C_(16)H_(32)O_(2)` (palmitic acid), `C_(18)H_(36)O_(2)` (stearic acid). Animal fats are mostly satured fats.
Usaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their carbon chains. They have lower melting points and liquids at room temperature. Their general formula is `C_(n)H_(2n-2x)O_(2)` e.g., oleic acid (with double bond, monoene, `C_(18)H_(34)O_(2)`), linoleic acid (with two double bonds, diene, `C_(18)H_(32)O_(2)`), linolenic acid (with three double bonds, `C_(18)H_(30)O_(2)`), arachidonic acid (with four double bonds, tetraene, `C_(20)H_(32)O_(2)`). Plants fats are generally unsaturated fats.