Margaric acid: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A saturated fatty acid}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Margaric acid}} | |||
[[File:Heptadecanoic_acid.png|thumb|right|Structural formula of heptadecanoic acid]] | |||
'''Margaric acid''', also known as '''heptadecanoic acid''', is a [[saturated fatty acid]] with the chemical formula C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>34</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. It is a [[straight-chain]] [[fatty acid]] and is classified as a [[long-chain fatty acid]]. Margaric acid is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized in the laboratory. | |||
Margaric acid is a [[saturated fatty acid]] with | |||
== | ==Structure and Properties== | ||
Margaric acid | Margaric acid consists of a 17-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end. The molecular structure can be represented as CH<sub>3</sub>(CH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>15</sub>COOH. As a saturated fatty acid, it contains no [[double bonds]] between the carbon atoms in the chain, which contributes to its solid state at room temperature. | ||
== | ==Occurrence== | ||
Margaric acid is rarely found in natural sources. It is sometimes detected in trace amounts in [[dairy products]] and certain [[animal fats]]. It is more commonly encountered as a component of [[synthetic mixtures]] of fatty acids. | |||
== | ==Synthesis== | ||
Margaric acid can be synthesized through the [[hydrogenation]] of [[oleic acid]] or by the [[oxidation]] of [[heptadecanol]]. These processes involve chemical reactions that add hydrogen atoms to unsaturated bonds or introduce oxygen to alcohol groups, respectively. | |||
==Uses== | |||
While not widely used in industry, margaric acid can serve as a reference compound in [[analytical chemistry]] and is sometimes used in the production of [[soaps]] and [[cosmetics]]. Its properties as a saturated fatty acid make it useful in studying the behavior of similar compounds. | |||
==Health Implications== | |||
The health effects of margaric acid are not well-studied due to its rarity in the diet. However, as a saturated fatty acid, it is generally advised to consume such fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Fatty acid]] | * [[Fatty acid]] | ||
* [[Saturated fat]] | * [[Saturated fat]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Lipid]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Carboxylic acid]] | ||
[[Category:Fatty acids]] | [[Category:Fatty acids]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:50, 15 February 2025
A saturated fatty acid
Margaric acid, also known as heptadecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C17H34O2. It is a straight-chain fatty acid and is classified as a long-chain fatty acid. Margaric acid is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized in the laboratory.
Structure and Properties[edit]
Margaric acid consists of a 17-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end. The molecular structure can be represented as CH3(CH2)15COOH. As a saturated fatty acid, it contains no double bonds between the carbon atoms in the chain, which contributes to its solid state at room temperature.
Occurrence[edit]
Margaric acid is rarely found in natural sources. It is sometimes detected in trace amounts in dairy products and certain animal fats. It is more commonly encountered as a component of synthetic mixtures of fatty acids.
Synthesis[edit]
Margaric acid can be synthesized through the hydrogenation of oleic acid or by the oxidation of heptadecanol. These processes involve chemical reactions that add hydrogen atoms to unsaturated bonds or introduce oxygen to alcohol groups, respectively.
Uses[edit]
While not widely used in industry, margaric acid can serve as a reference compound in analytical chemistry and is sometimes used in the production of soaps and cosmetics. Its properties as a saturated fatty acid make it useful in studying the behavior of similar compounds.
Health Implications[edit]
The health effects of margaric acid are not well-studied due to its rarity in the diet. However, as a saturated fatty acid, it is generally advised to consume such fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
