Chapter 17, Problem 17.81AQAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Among the given substances classify them as fatty acids, soaps, triacylgrycerol, wax, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, or steroid

Concept Introduction: A substance can be classified in to any of the classifications by looking at the functional groups they contain.

Fatty Acids = A long chain hydrocarbon which consists of carboxylic (-COOH) group in the terminal of the chain.

Soaps = A long chain hydrocarbon which consists of sodium or Potassium salt of carboxylic acid (-COONa or -COOK) in the terminal of the chain.

Triacylglycerols = They are compounds that are synthesized by condensation of a glycerol and 3 equivalents of fatty acid. They are generally esters formed by reaction between alcohols and acids.

Wax = They are long chain hydrocarbons that are composed of fatty acids, alcohols and double bonds.

Glycerophospholipid = They are compounds that are synthesized by condensation of a glycerol, 2 equivalents of fatty acid and 1 phosphate group attached to the third –OH group present in glycerol.

Sphingolipid = Sphingolipid is member of a class of lipids containing the organic aliphatic amino alcoholsphingosine.

Steroid = They are compounds with 4 alkyl rings arranged in specific geometry and they have alkyl substituents substituted at specific positions. The specific geometry is:

To classify: beeswax, cholesterol, lechitin, glyceroltripalmite, sodium stearate, safflower oil as fatty acids, soaps, triacylgrycerol, wax, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, or steroid