The molecular formula of tripalmitin is

Options

A. `C_(51)H_(98)O_6`
B. `C_(54)H_(100)O_7`
C. `C_(57)H_(102)O_8`
D. `C_(61)H_(104)O_10`

Answer

To determine the molecular formula of tripalmitin, we need to understand what tripalmitin is and how it is structured.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Components**:
Tripalmitin is a type of triglyceride, which means it is formed from glycerol and three fatty acid molecules. In this case, the fatty acid is palmitic acid.

2. **Know the Formula of Palmitic Acid**:
Palmitic acid has the molecular formula C16H32O2. This means it contains 16 carbon atoms, 32 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

3. **Understand the Structure of Triglycerides**:
A triglyceride is formed when three fatty acid molecules react with one glycerol molecule (C3H8O3). The reaction involves the formation of ester bonds, and during this process, three water molecules (H2O) are released.

4. **Calculate the Total Number of Atoms**:
- **From Glycerol**:
- Carbon (C): 3
- Hydrogen (H): 8
- Oxygen (O): 3
- **From Three Palmitic Acids**:
- Carbon (C): 3 × 16 = 48
- Hydrogen (H): 3 × 32 = 96
- Oxygen (O): 3 × 2 = 6

5. **Combine the Atoms**:
- Total Carbon (C): 3 (from glycerol) + 48 (from palmitic acid) = 51
- Total Hydrogen (H): 8 (from glycerol) + 96 (from palmitic acid) = 104
- Total Oxygen (O): 3 (from glycerol) + 6 (from palmitic acid) = 9
- However, we need to subtract the 3 water molecules formed during the reaction, which contributes 3 oxygen and 6 hydrogen:
- Final Hydrogen (H): 104 - 6 = 98
- Final Oxygen (O): 9 - 3 = 6

6. **Final Molecular Formula**:
Therefore, the molecular formula of tripalmitin is C51H98O6.