Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781118918401
Author: Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher: WILEY
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 9, Problem 1E
Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether trans-oleic acid has a higher or lower melting point than cis-oleic acid.

Concept introduction: An oleic acid is a colorless and odorless fatty acid. It occurs naturally in different animal and vegetable fats and oils. In its triglyceride form, oleic acid is used as a component in many foods. As they are part of the animal fats and vegetable oils, oleic acid can be used as components in normal human diet.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1E

Answer: Trans-oleic acid has a higher melting point than cis-oleic acid.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation:

Trans isomers have a higher melting point compared to cis isomers. It is mainly because of the less-stearic hindrance of trans isomers. Trans-oleic acids have a melting point of 44.5°C and cis-oleic acids have a melting point of 13.4°C. The trans isomer of oleic acid is able to pack together easier because of less stearic hindrance.  However, it is difficult to pack the cis isomer together due to its higher stearic hindrance. The cis isomer has a “U” shape but the trans isomer is more planar. This allows for better packing in trans isomers. Due to all these reasons, trans-oleic acid has a higher melting point than cis-oleic acid.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Chapter 9 Solutions

Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecular Level

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biochemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:W. H. Freeman
Text book image
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781464126116
Author:David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:W. H. Freeman
Text book image
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul...
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781118918401
Author:Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:WILEY
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305961135
Author:Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological ...
Biochemistry
ISBN:9780134015187
Author:John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:PEARSON
Intro to Cell Signaling; Author: Amoeba Sisters;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dbRterutHY;License: Standard youtube license