Concept explainers
To determine: Whether trans-oleic acid has a higher or lower melting point than cis-oleic acid.
Concept introduction: An oleic acid is a colorless and odorless fatty acid. It occurs naturally in different animal and vegetable fats and oils. In its triglyceride form, oleic acid is used as a component in many foods. As they are part of the animal fats and vegetable oils, oleic acid can be used as components in normal human diet.
Answer to Problem 1E
Answer: Trans-oleic acid has a higher melting point than cis-oleic acid.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation:
Trans isomers have a higher melting point compared to cis isomers. It is mainly because of the less-stearic hindrance of trans isomers. Trans-oleic acids have a melting point of 44.5°C and cis-oleic acids have a melting point of 13.4°C. The trans isomer of oleic acid is able to pack together easier because of less stearic hindrance. However, it is difficult to pack the cis isomer together due to its higher stearic hindrance. The cis isomer has a “U” shape but the trans isomer is more planar. This allows for better packing in trans isomers. Due to all these reasons, trans-oleic acid has a higher melting point than cis-oleic acid.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 9 Solutions
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
- BiochemistryBiochemistryISBN:9781319114671Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.Publisher:W. H. FreemanLehninger Principles of BiochemistryBiochemistryISBN:9781464126116Author:David L. Nelson, Michael M. CoxPublisher:W. H. FreemanFundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul...BiochemistryISBN:9781118918401Author:Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. PrattPublisher:WILEY
- BiochemistryBiochemistryISBN:9781305961135Author:Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougalPublisher:Cengage LearningBiochemistryBiochemistryISBN:9781305577206Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. GrishamPublisher:Cengage LearningFundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological ...BiochemistryISBN:9780134015187Author:John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. PetersonPublisher:PEARSON