Chapter 23, Problem 5MCP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Products obtained when $\text{α-carbon}$ of fatty acids that contain even numbers of carbon atoms as well as the products obtained when a similar degradation is carried out for fatty acids that contain the odd number of carbon has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

In fatty acids where the $\text{β-carbon}$ is blocked, the alpha-oxidation is carried out that involves loss of one of the carbon atom of fatty acids as ${\text{CO}}_2$. Thus the fatty acid formed after the alpha oxidation contains one carbon less than the fatty acid.