The most prevalent fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid containing 12 carbons. Draw lauric acid in skeletal structure.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms.
2. Understand that a saturated fatty acid means there are no double bonds between carbon atoms; all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds.
3. In a skeletal structure, each vertex represents a carbon atom, and hydrogen atoms are typically not shown explicitly.
4. Start by drawing a straight chain of 12 carbon atoms, each connected by single lines to represent single bonds.
5. Add a carboxylic acid group (COOH) at one end of the chain to complete the structure of lauric acid.

Key Concepts

Skeletal Structure of Organic Molecules

The skeletal structure, or line-angle structure, is a simplified way of representing organic molecules. In this format, carbon atoms are represented by the ends and intersections of lines, while hydrogen atoms are often omitted for clarity. This method allows chemists to visualize the molecular framework quickly, focusing on functional groups and overall shape.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acids are types of fatty acids that contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, meaning they are fully 'saturated' with hydrogen atoms. This structure typically results in a straight-chain configuration, allowing them to pack closely together, which contributes to their solid state at room temperature. Lauric acid, with its 12 carbon atoms, exemplifies this category.

Lauric Acid

Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C12H24O2. It is primarily found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil and is known for its antimicrobial properties. In the context of nutrition, lauric acid is often discussed for its potential health benefits, including its role in raising HDL cholesterol levels.