Chapter 18.3, Problem 25PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To state the reason that why safflower oil is called a polyunsaturated oil while olive oil is called as a monounsaturated oil.

Concept introduction: A fatty acid is a type of acid which consists of a long unbranched chain of carbon atoms typically 12 to 20 carbon atoms with a carboxylic group at one end of the carbon chain. This long carbon chain is known to make fatty acids insoluble in water. They are mainly of three types. First is the saturated fatty acid which contains only single bonds between the carbon atoms in the chain. Second is the monounsaturated fatty acid which consists of one double bond in its carbon chain, and third are the polyunsaturated fatty acids which contain two or more carbon atoms in their carbon chain.In human body, these fatty acids are known as oils and fats, called as triacylglycerols. Oil is generally liquid at room temperature and can be obtained from plant sources.