Chapter 12, Problem 12.37P

Stearidonic acid (C18H28O2) is an unsaturated fatty acid obtained from oils isolated from hemp and blackcurrant

a. What fatty acid is formed when stearidonic acid is hydrogenated with excess ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ and a $\text{Pd-C}$ catalyst?

b. What fatty acids are formed when stearidonic acid is hydrogenated with one equivalent of ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ and a $\text{Pd-C}$ catalyst?

c. Draw the structure of a possible product formed when stearidonic acid is hydrogenated with one equivalent of ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ and a $\text{Pd-C}$ catalyst, and one double bond is isomerized to a trans isomer.

d. How do the melting points of the following fatty acids compare: stearidonic acid; one of the products formed in part (b); the product drawn in part (c)?