LIPID CHEMISTRY

Lipid
Lipid = a compound that is
insoluble in water, but soluble in
nonpolar solvents

(e.g. of nonpolar solvents are ether,

benzene, acetone, chloroform)
 Lipids

Lipids are a group of heterogeneous

compounds.
Heterogeneous Group of Lipids
 Definition of Lipids

A group of heterogeneous compounds

that are not soluble in water,
but soluble in nonpolar solvents.
 Functions of Lipids:
1. Concentrated source of energy
(1g of fat gives 9kcal)
2. Provides thermal insulation to the body
3. Protects the nerves & some organs
4. Forms the cell membrane
5. Precursor of some hormones
6. Provides fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)
7. Provides essential fatty acids
 Fatty Acid
A fatty acid is a carboxylic group with a
hydrocarbon chain.
O
R C OH

Hydrocarbon Carboxylic acid

The General Structure of Fatty Acids
The general structure of a fatty acid is a long
hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group
on carbon 1 (C1).
Fatty Acids Found in the Body

• Usually have even number of carbons

• Can have 4 to 36 carbons
• Most found are 12 to 24 carbons
The Lengths of Different Fatty Acids

Short-chain Fatty Acid

(less than 6 carbons)

Medium-chain Fatty Acid

(6-10 carbons)

Long-chain Fatty Acid

(12 or more carbons)
 Classification of Fatty Acids
Fatty acids can be classified into two groups:
A. Saturated
B. Unsaturated
 Saturated Fatty Acid

• All single bonds between carbons

Examples of Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty Acid Number of Number of

Carbons C=C
Lauric acid 12 0

Myristic acid 14 0

Palmitic acid 16 0

Stearic acid 18 0
 Naming Fatty Acids
• We write the name of fatty acid first.
• Then we write the number of carbon
atoms.
• Finally we write the number of double
bonds.
E.g. lauric acid ( 12:0)
Examples of Saturated Fatty Acids
Myristic acids(14:0) O
C
OH
Palmitic acid (16:0)
O
C
OH
Stearic acid (18:0) O
C
OH
 Palmitic Acid (16:0)
Palmitic Acid

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H O
H–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–OH
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Palmitic acid
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-COO–
 Unsaturated Fatty Acids

One or more double bonds between

carbons.
 Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids are classified into

1. Monounsaturated fatty acids

2. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Unsaturated Fatty Acids

1. Monounsaturated; have only one

double bond
2. Polyunsaturated; have more than one
double bond
Monounsaturated Fatty Acid

One carbon-carbon double bond

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid

More than one carbon-carbon double bond

Examples of Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty Acid Number of Number of

Carbons C=C
Oleic acid 18 1

Linoleic acid 18 2

Linolenic acid 18 3

Arachadonic acid 20 4
 Naming Fatty Acids
• We write the name of fatty acid first.
• Then we write the number of carbon
atoms.
• Finally we write the number of double
bonds.
E.g. Oleic acid ( 18:1)
 Fatty Acids
Saturated Fatty Acid ( 18:0)

Unsaturated Fatty Acid( 18:1)

Unsaturated Fatty Acid( 18:2)

 Essential Fatty Acids
• Are fatty acids that CAN NOT be made by the
body
* That’s why they are considered ESSENTIAL
• They must be taken with the diet
• They are 18 carbon fatty acids with two or three
double bonds
• They are two fatty acids called linoleic and
linolenic acid
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Types • Types
– Linoleic acid (18:2) – Linolenic acid (18:3)
– Eicosapentanoic acid (20:5)
– Arachidonic acid
– Docosahexanoic acid (22:6)
(20:4)
• Functional Roles
• Functional Roles
– Eicosanoid synthesis
– Eicosanoid synthesis
– Nerve & retina activity
• Sources • Sources
– Vegetable seed oils – Flaxseed, nuts, soybean
– Meat Fish (EPA/DHA)
– Alga (DHA)
 Classification of Fatty Acids

Saturated Fatty Acids unsaturated Fatty Acids

monounsaturated fatty Acids polyunsaturated fatty Acids

~ End ~