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The formula of palmitic acid_________________?

Correct answer: A. C15H31COOH

  • A. C15H31COOH
  • B. C13H27COOH
  • C. C17H33COOH
  • D. C17H35COOH

Explanation

Palmitic acid is a saturated C16 fatty acid, so its formula is C15H31COOH, which contains 16 carbon atoms in total. The alternative C17H35COOH is stearic acid, a C18 fatty acid, while C17H33COOH is an unsaturated C18 acid. Students may count only the carbon atoms before COOH and select a formula for a different fatty acid.

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About Reactivity of Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids show acidic behaviour because their carboxylate ions are resonance-stabilised, and electron-withdrawing groups can change their strength. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, formation of acid chlorides and amides, reduction, decarboxylation and substitution at the acyl carbon, which differs from the reactions of phenols.

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