The general formula for triglycerides, which are tri-esters formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, is:
CH(OH)(CH2OH)2 + RCOOH + R'COOH + R"COOH → RC(O)OCH2−CH(OC(O)R')−CH2C(O)OR" + 3H2O
This formula represents the condensation reaction where glycerol reacts with three fatty acids (RCOOH, R'COOH, and R"COOH) to form a triglyceride and release three water molecules (3H2O). The R, R', and R" represent the hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids, which can be the same or different.
In simpler terms:
A triglyceride molecule is formed from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Glycerol | A simple alcohol with three hydroxyl (OH) groups. |
| Fatty Acids | Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains (represented by R, R', and R"). These can be saturated or unsaturated. |
| Ester Linkage | The bond formed when the hydroxyl group of glycerol reacts with the carboxyl group of a fatty acid, releasing water (a condensation reaction). |
| Triglyceride | The final molecule composed of a glycerol backbone esterified with three fatty acids. |
| Water (3H2O) | Byproduct of esterification. |
