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 find the molecular formula of tripalmitin, we need to understand its structure and composition. Tripalmitin is a triglyceride formed from glycerol and three molecules of palmitic acid.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Components**:
- Tripalmitin is formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, specifically palmitic acid.
- The molecular formula for palmitic acid (C16H32O2) is essential for this calculation.

2. **Determine the Molecular Formula of Glycerol**:
- Glycerol has the molecular formula C3H8O3.

3. **Combine the Components**:
- When forming tripalmitin, glycerol reacts with three molecules of palmitic acid. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Glycerol (C3H8O3)} + 3 \times \text{Palmitic Acid (C16H32O2)} \rightarrow \text{Tripalmitin} \]

4. **Calculate the Total Number of Atoms**:
- For the palmitic acid:
- Carbon: \(3 \times 16 = 48\)
- Hydrogen: \(3 \times 32 = 96\)
- Oxygen: \(3 \times 2 = 6\)
- For glycerol:
- Carbon: 3
- Hydrogen: 8
- Oxygen: 3

5. **Add the Atoms Together**:
- Total Carbon: \(3 + 48 = 51\)
- Total Hydrogen: \(8 + 96 = 104\)
- Total Oxygen: \(3 + 6 = 9\)

6. **Final Molecular Formula**:
- The molecular formula of tripalmitin is C51H104O9.

### Conclusion:
The molecular formula of tripalmitin is C51H104O9.