How many different triglycerides can be formed when glycerol combines with one molecule of oleic acid, one molecule of palmitic 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 react with the carboxylic acid groups of fatty acids to form ester linkages. In this case, glycerol reacts with one molecule of oleic acid, one molecule of palmitic acid, and one molecule of stearic acid to form a triglyceride. The three fatty acids can be arranged in any order on the glycerol molecule, so there is only one possible triglyceride that can be formed.

How Many Different Triglycerides Can Be Formed When Glycerol Combines