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Fatty acid is a generic term that covers (theoretically) an infinite number of different chemical compounds. For a start, there are saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Cooking oils, like olive oil, are mixtures of fatty acids, as are magarine, lard and candle wax.

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A fatty acid is a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. It can be saturated (containing only single bonds) or unsaturated (containing one or more double bonds). The structure of a fatty acid can vary in length and composition of carbon atoms.

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Continue Learning about Chemistry

Is a sodium fatty acid salt the same as a carboxylic acid salt?

Yes, a sodium fatty acid salt is a type of carboxylic acid salt. Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, and when they react with a base like sodium hydroxide, they form carboxylic acid salts such as sodium fatty acid salts.


If you isolate a fatty acid with one double bond you know the fatty acid is a?

Monounsaturated fatty acid.


What is the balanced equation for fatty acid and sodium hydroxide?

The balanced equation for the reaction between a fatty acid (such as oleic acid) and sodium hydroxide is: Fatty acid + Sodium hydroxide -> Soap (sodium salt of the fatty acid) + Water


How does the saturation level of a fatty acid compare to that of an unsaturated fatty acid and a trans fatty acid?

The saturation level of a fatty acid refers to the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain. A saturated fatty acid has all available carbon bonds filled with hydrogen atoms, making it solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, making them liquid at room temperature. Trans fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid with a specific arrangement of double bonds that can increase the saturation level, making them behave more like saturated fats.


Is Stearic acid a trans fatty acid?

No, stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in various animal and plant fats. It is not considered a trans fatty acid, which are mostly found in partially hydrogenated oils.