Fatty Acid
A long-chain carboxylic acid, usually with an even number of carbon atoms.
Formula / equation
CH₃(CH₂)ₙCOOH
Unit
g/mol
In depth
Fatty acids are built two carbons at a time in biosynthesis, which is why the chain length is almost always even. Chain length and the number and geometry of double bonds determine melting point, fluidity and nutritional character.
Examples in the real world
Palmitic acid with 16 saturated carbons; oleic acid with one cis double bond; omega-3 acids in oily fish.