This figure shows the chemical structure and space-filling models for stearic acid and oleic acid.
Although the fatty acids stearic acid and oleic acid have the same number of carbon atoms, they have different three-dimensional structures. Oleic acid has a slight bend in the middle. As a result,

Question

This figure shows the chemical structure and space-filling models for stearic acid and oleic acid. 
Although the fatty acids stearic acid and oleic acid have the same number of carbon atoms, they have different three-dimensional structures. Oleic acid has a slight bend in the middle. As a result,

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slight bend in the middle of oleic acid creates kinks in the fatty acid chain, which prevents the molecules from packing tightly together. This results in a lower melting point and a more liquid consistency compared to stearic acid.

B) is incorrect because stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid, meaning it contains no carbon-carbon double bonds. 
C) is also incorrect because stearic acid is a solid at room temperature and is commonly found in the form of fats, such as in animal fats and cocoa butter. 
D) is incorrect because oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid, containing one carbon-carbon double bond.

This Figure Shows the Chemical Structure and Space-Filling Models for Stearic