List of saturated fatty acids

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Saturated fatty acids are a type of fat molecule that have no double bonds between the carbon atoms. The carbon chain is "saturated" with hydrogen atoms. These are typically solid at room temperature and can be found in various animal fats and some plant oils. Here is a glossary-style list of common saturated fatty acids, providing details on each one.

Lauric acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Dodecanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C12H24O2
  • Sources: Predominantly found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and breast milk.
  • Properties: Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid. It is known for its antimicrobial properties due to its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
  • Uses: Used in the production of soaps and cosmetics.

Myristic acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Tetradecanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C14H28O2
  • Sources: Found in nutmeg, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, butterfat, and animal fats.
  • Properties: A long-chain fatty acid that is used by the liver to produce energy.
  • Uses: Commonly used in the cosmetic industry, especially in creams and lotions.

Palmitic acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Hexadecanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C16H32O2
  • Sources: Found in palm oil, meats, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.
  • Properties: It is the most common saturated fatty acid found in plants and animals.
  • Uses: Used in the production of soaps, cosmetics, and food additives.

Stearic acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Octadecanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C18H36O2
  • Sources: Found in animal fats, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
  • Properties: Stearic acid is known for its lubricating properties.
  • Uses: Used in the production of candles, plastics, dietary supplements, oils, and cosmetics.

Arachidic acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Eicosanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C20H40O2
  • Sources: Found in peanut oil and some other seed oils.
  • Properties: It's a minor component of peanut oil.
  • Uses: Generally not used in large scale industrial applications due to its limited availability.

Behenic acid[edit]

  • IUPAC Name: Docosanoic acid
  • Chemical Formula: C22H44O2
  • Sources: Canola oil and peanut oil are primary sources.
  • Properties: One of the longer chain saturated fatty acids.
  • Uses: Often used as a softening agent in hair conditioners and other cosmetics.

See also[edit]

Lipids: fatty acids
Saturated
* Propionic 
(C3)

(C4)

(C5)

(C6)

(C7)

(C8)

(C9)

(C10)

(C11)

(C12)

(C13)

(C14)

(C15)

(C16)

(C17)

(C18)

(C19)

(C20)

(C21)

(C22)

(C23)

(C24)

(C25)

(C26)

(C27)

(C28)

(C29)

(C30)

(C31)

(C32)

(C33)

(C34)

(C35)

(C36)

(C37)

(C38)

(C39)
(C40)
ω−3 Unsaturated
ω−5 Unsaturated
ω−6 Unsaturated
* 8-Tetradecenoic (14:1) 
(18:2)

(trans-18:2)

(18:3)

(18:3)

(18:3)

(20:3)

(20:4)
ω−7 Unsaturated
* Palmitoleic 
(16:1)

(18:1)

(18:2)

(20:1)


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