III. General Features of Fatty Acid Structure
Classification of Fatty Acids
One system of fatty acid classification is based
on the number of double bonds.
- 0 double bonds: saturated fatty acids
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Stearic acid is a typical long chain saturated fatty acid.
- 1 double bond: monounsaturated fatty acids
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Oleic acid is a typical monounsaturated fatty acid.
- 2 or more double bonds: polyunsaturated fatty acids
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Linoleic acid is a typical polyunsaturated fatty acid.