What is the difference between stearic acid and linoleic acid?
A) Stearic acid has 18 carbon atoms, whereas linoleic acid has 16 carbon atoms.
B) Stearic acid is unsaturated, whereas linoleic acid is saturated.
C) Stearic acid has 18 carbon atoms, whereas linoleic acid has 20 carbon atoms.
D) Stearic acid is saturated, whereas linoleic acid is unsaturated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid, meaning it does not contain any double bonds between its carbon atoms. In contrast, linoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid, containing two double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. This difference in bonding pattern affects the physical and chemical properties of the two compounds, including their melting points, solubility, and reactivity.

What Is the Difference Between Stearic Acid and Linoleic Acid