Final answer:
The molecular formula of the triglyceride formed by joining three fatty acids to glycerol through dehydration synthesis is C₅₁H₇₄O₆, after accounting for the removal of three water molecules during the reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When three molecules of a fatty acid with the formula C₁₆H₂₂O₂ are joined to a molecule of glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) through dehydration synthesis, a triglyceride is formed. In this process, each fatty acid combines with the glycerol by removing a water molecule (H₂O). Specifically, from glycerol, a hydrogen atom is released, and from each fatty acid, a hydroxyl group (-OH) is released, summing up to three water molecules being removed.
After the removal of three water molecules (3 x H₂O), the total formula for the resultant triglyceride molecule is calculated by adding the atoms from glycerol and three fatty acids, then subtracting the atoms from the removed water molecules:
- Total carbon atoms: 3 (from glycerol) + 3 x 16 (from fatty acids) = 51
- Total hydrogen atoms: 8 (from glycerol) + 3 x 22 (from fatty acids) - 6 (from water) = 74
- Total oxygen atoms: 3 (from glycerol) + 3 x 2 (from fatty acids) - 3 (from water) = 6
Therefore, the correct molecular formula of the resulting triglyceride molecule is C₅₁H₇₄O₆, which corresponds to option d) C5₂H₇₄O₆. Note that there is a typo in the options as the total carbon count should be 51, not 52.