The prostaglandin precursor arachidonic acid has the molecular formula C₂₀H₃₂O₂. Given that arachidonic acid is an acyclic carboxylic acid that contains no carbon-carbon triple bonds, how many carbon-carbon double bonds are present? A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) 5 E) 6

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the number of carbon-carbon double bonds, we need to look for the unsaturated parts of the molecule, which are designated by the "U" symbol in the molecular formula. Arachidonic acid has four unsaturated parts: 1U1B12, 0S1U1B0OS1U1B12, 1U1B0, and 0S1U1B0. Each "U" represents a carbon-carbon double bond. Therefore, there are a total of four carbon-carbon double bonds in arachidonic acid.

The Prostaglandin Precursor Arachidonic Acid Has the Molecular Formula C20H32O2

The Prostaglandin Precursor Arachidonic Acid Has the Molecular Formula C₂₀H₃₂O₂