Question

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids that have long hydrocarbon chains attached to a carboxylate group. How does a saturated fatty acid differ from an unsaturated fatty acid? How are they similar?

a) Saturated has double bonds; both are liquid at room temperature

b) Unsaturated has double bonds; both are solid at room temperature

c) Saturated has single bonds; both are solid at room temperature

d) Unsaturated has single bonds; both are liquid at room temperature

Answer 1

Saturated fatty acids have only single bonds and are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds and are liquid at room temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Saturated fatty acids contain only single bonds along the length of the carbon chain and are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

They are solid or semi-solid at room temperature. Examples of saturated fatty acids include palmitic acid and stearic acid.

On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds along the carbon chain.

They are liquid at room temperature. Examples of unsaturated fatty acids include oleic acid and linoleic acid.