Consider the following descriptions of the fatty acids found in a triglyceride. Which triglyceride would have the lowest melting point?
A)all stearic acid
B)two stearic acid, one oleic acid
C)one stearic acid, two oleic acid
D)all oleic acid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The triglyceride with all oleic acid would have the lowest melting point because oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid, meaning it has at least one double bond between carbon atoms. This double bond causes a kink in the fatty acid molecule, which makes it more difficult for the molecules to pack tightly together and form a solid. Therefore, triglycerides with unsaturated fatty acids have lower melting points than those with saturated fatty acids.

Consider the Following Descriptions of the Fatty Acids Found in a Triglyceride