fatty acids
Monobasic acids which contain only carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen. They consist of an alkyl
radical attached to the carboxyl group, and when
saturated have the general formula (C_nH_2nO_2)
Formic and acetic acids are the two lowest members
of this saturated series. Unsaturated fatty acids
follow several series, including: 1) the oleic
acid series (C_nH_2n-2O_2); 2) the linoleic acid
series (C_nH_2n-4O_2); and 3) the linolenic acid
series (C_nH_2n-6O_2). There are also other
naturally occurring fatty acids that are found in
nature mainly as glycerides, which constitute the
most important part of the fats and oils, and as
esters of other alcohols and the waxes.
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