The general chemical formula for a saturated fatty acid, a key component of saturated fats, is CH3(CH2)nCOOH, where 'n' represents the number of methylene groups (CH2) in the chain.
Understanding the Formula
- CH3: This represents the methyl group at one end of the fatty acid chain.
- (CH2)n: This signifies a chain of 'n' methylene groups (CH2). The value of 'n' determines the length of the fatty acid chain. Since the fat is saturated, each carbon atom in this chain is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms. There are no carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C).
- COOH: This represents the carboxyl group at the other end of the fatty acid chain. It's what makes it an acid.
Example: Stearic Acid
Stearic acid, a common saturated fatty acid, has the formula CH3(CH2)16COOH. This means it has a chain of 16 methylene groups. When its carboxyl group reacts with a base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms sodium stearate, a type of soap.
Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats
It's crucial to understand that saturated fats are different from unsaturated fats because saturated fats contain only single bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain, whereas unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds. This structural difference affects their physical properties and impact on health.
