Draw the line-angle formula for each of the following fatty acids:


a. palmitic acid

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of palmitic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C16H32O2.
2. Recognize that the line-angle formula is a simplified way to represent organic molecules, where each vertex represents a carbon atom and lines represent bonds.
3. Since palmitic acid is saturated, it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms, forming a straight chain.
4. Draw a zigzag line with 16 vertices to represent the 16 carbon atoms in the chain, starting from the carboxyl group (COOH) at one end.
5. Ensure that the carboxyl group is represented at one end of the chain, with the remaining 15 carbon atoms forming a continuous zigzag line.

Key Concepts

Line-Angle Formula

The line-angle formula, also known as the skeletal formula, is a shorthand representation of organic molecules. In this format, vertices represent carbon atoms, and lines represent bonds between them. Hydrogen atoms are typically omitted for carbon atoms, as they are implied by the tetravalency of carbon. This method simplifies the drawing of complex structures, making it easier to visualize and understand molecular geometry.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, which can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids, like palmitic acid, contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds. Fatty acids are key components of lipids and play crucial roles in energy storage, cellular structure, and signaling within biological systems.

Palmitic Acid Structure

Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 16-carbon chain and the chemical formula C16H32O2. Its structure features a long hydrocarbon tail and a carboxylic acid group at one end. When drawing its line-angle formula, the carbon chain is represented as a zigzag line, with the terminal carbon connected to a carboxylic acid group, illustrating its saturated nature and overall molecular structure.