There are two isomeric fat molecules whose components are glycerol, one palmitic acid, and two stearic acids (see Table 23.3). Draw the structures of both, and explain how they differ.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the components of the fat molecules. Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with three hydroxyl (OH) groups. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms, and stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the fat molecules are triglycerides, which are formed by esterification of glycerol with three fatty acids. In this case, one palmitic acid and two stearic acids will be esterified with glycerol.
3. Step 3: Draw the structure of glycerol, which is a three-carbon chain with each carbon bonded to a hydroxyl group. This will serve as the backbone for the triglyceride.
4. Step 4: Attach the fatty acids to the glycerol backbone. For the first isomer, attach the palmitic acid to the first hydroxyl group of glycerol and the two stearic acids to the remaining two hydroxyl groups.
5. Step 5: For the second isomer, attach one stearic acid to the first hydroxyl group, the palmitic acid to the second hydroxyl group, and the other stearic acid to the third hydroxyl group. This arrangement will create a different isomeric structure.