Draw the complete structural formula of arachidonic acid (Table 23.1) in a way that shows the cis stereochemistry of its four double bonds.
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1
Identify the molecular formula of arachidonic acid, which is C20H32O2.
Recognize that arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with four cis double bonds.
Start by drawing a 20-carbon chain to represent the backbone of arachidonic acid.
Locate the positions of the double bonds, which are typically at carbons 5, 8, 11, and 14 in the chain.
Ensure that each double bond is drawn in the cis configuration, meaning the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbons of the double bond are on the same side.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Arachidonic Acid Structure
Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain and four double bonds. Its structural formula includes a long hydrocarbon tail with specific locations of double bonds, which are crucial for its biological function. Understanding its structure is essential for recognizing how it interacts with enzymes and receptors in the body.
Cis stereochemistry refers to the arrangement of substituents around a double bond where the same groups are on the same side. In arachidonic acid, the cis configuration of its double bonds affects the molecule's shape and reactivity, influencing its role in biological processes such as inflammation and cell signaling.
A structural formula visually represents the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, including bonds and stereochemistry. For arachidonic acid, accurately depicting the cis double bonds is vital for understanding its chemical properties and biological functions. This representation helps in visualizing how the molecule interacts with other compounds in biochemical pathways.