Question

Unsaturated fatty acids have lower melting points than saturated fatty acids because

A. they have fewer hydrogen atoms
B. They have more hydrogen atoms
C. their molecules fit closely together
D. the cis double bonds give them an irregular shape
E. the trans double bonds give them an irregular shape

Answer 1

Answer: Unsaturated fatty acids cannot pack as tightly together as saturated fatty acids due to the presence of the cis double bond that puts a “kink” or bend in the hydrocarbon chain. 3 < 1 < 2; an increase in the number of double bonds will lower the melting point because it is more difficult to closely pack the fatty acids together.

Explanation: Hope the explnation above was helpful