Question

1. Draw the line-bond structure for stearic acid and linoleic acid. Identify which fatty acid is saturated and which is unsaturated.

2. Trans fats are produced during the hydrogenation of polyunsaturated oils.

            a. What is the typical configuration (cis or trans) about the double bond of a monounsaturated fatty acid?

b. Draw the structure of cis-palmitoleic acid.

c. Draw the structure of trans-palmitoleic acid.

d. Why are trans-fatty acids considered to be a health hazard?

e. Is it better to eat a food product that contains partially hydrogenated oil or butter? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

A-1) Structures of Stearic acid and Linoleic acid shown here (Box-1). It’s clear that Linoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid.

A-2) a)-A typical configuration about double bond in monounsaturated compounds is Trans. b), c)- Structures of cis and trans Palmitoleic acid shown in diagram (Box-2). d)- Trans fatty acid are solid and get deposited on inner walls of arteries and lowers the blood flowing in arteries which cause increase in blood pressure and also weak blood supply to vital organs like eyes, kidney, brain, etc. The common effect is the cardiac arrest. E)-No. They still contain some amount of Trans fats; We should take them in amount as small as possible.