Which of the following is most unsaturated?

Options

A. Arachidonic acid
B. Linolenic acid
C. Linoleic acid
D. Oleic acid

Answer

To determine which of the given compounds is the most unsaturated, we will analyze the structures of each compound and count the number of double or triple bonds present between adjacent carbon atoms. Unsaturation refers to the presence of double or triple bonds in hydrocarbons.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Unsaturation**: Unsaturated hydrocarbons have one or more double or triple bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. The more double or triple bonds present, the more unsaturated the compound is.

2. **Identify the Compounds**: The compounds we will analyze are:
- Arachidonic Acid
- Linolenic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Oleic Acid

3. **Analyze Arachidonic Acid**:
- Arachidonic Acid has a total of 20 carbon atoms.
- Upon examining its structure, we find 4 double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms.
- Therefore, Arachidonic Acid has 4 units of unsaturation.

4. **Analyze Linolenic Acid**:
- Linolenic Acid has a total of 18 carbon atoms.
- Its structure shows 3 double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms.
- Thus, Linolenic Acid has 3 units of unsaturation.

5. **Analyze Linoleic Acid**:
- Linoleic Acid also has 18 carbon atoms.
- Its structure reveals 2 double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms.
- Hence, Linoleic Acid has 2 units of unsaturation.

6. **Analyze Oleic Acid**:
- Oleic Acid has 18 carbon atoms as well.
- Its structure indicates only 1 double bond between adjacent carbon atoms.
- Therefore, Oleic Acid has 1 unit of unsaturation.

7. **Compare Unsaturation Levels**:
- Arachidonic Acid: 4 unsaturations
- Linolenic Acid: 3 unsaturations
- Linoleic Acid: 2 unsaturations
- Oleic Acid: 1 unsaturation

8. **Conclusion**: Arachidonic Acid has the highest number of double bonds among the compounds analyzed, making it the most unsaturated.

### Final Answer:
**Arachidonic Acid is the most unsaturated compound.**