How many different triglycerides can be formed when one molecule of glycerol combines with one molecule of oleic acid, one molecule of palmitic acid, and one molecule of stearic acid?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that can form ester linkages with fatty acids. In this case, one molecule of glycerol can combine with one molecule of oleic acid, one molecule of palmitic acid, and one molecule of stearic acid to form a triglyceride. The order in which the fatty acids are attached to the glycerol molecule does not matter, so there is only one possible triglyceride that can be formed.

How Many Different Triglycerides Can Be Formed When One Molecule