Question

Which of the following fatty acids is saturated?

• A. Oleic acid
• B. Linoleic acid
• C. Arachidonic acid
• D. Palmitic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Palmitic acid

The correct option is D.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Fatty acids are divided into saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids.
2. In the presence of a double bond of carbon, this classification is done.
3. Saturated fatty acids include only single bonds of carbon in their carbon chain.
4. Here only Palmitic acid contains only single bonds in 16 carbon chains
5. The formula of Palmitic Acid is ${\mathrm{C}}_{16}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Oleic acid is referred to as a fatty acid found naturally in fats and oils obtained from organisms.
2. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid.
3. The molecular formula for Oleic acid is:${\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{34}{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

Option B:

1. Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid found mostly in plant oils.
2. The molecular formula of Linoleic acid is ${\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

Option C:

1. Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid present in animal fats.
2. The molecular formula of Arachidonic acid is ${\mathrm{C}}_{20}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2$.

Final answer: Palmitic acid is the saturated fatty acid.