Palmitic acid

Palmitic acid is a common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes, including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. It is the first fatty acid produced during fatty acid synthesis and is the precursor to longer fatty acids. As a consequence, palmitic acid is a major body component of animals.

Structure and properties

Palmitic acid is a carboxylic acid with the formula CH3(CH2)14COOH. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature, melting at 63.1 degrees Celsius and boiling at 351.5 degrees Celsius. It is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Occurrence

Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is abundant in palm oil, from which it gets its name, and olive oil, meat, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.

Biosynthesis

In biology, some species synthesize palmitic acid in lipid metabolism via fatty acid synthesis at the cytosol by the enzyme fatty acid synthase. Palmitic acid is the first fatty acid produced during this process and is the precursor to longer fatty acids.

Health effects

High levels of palmitic acid have been linked to cardiovascular disease. However, there is evidence that the negative effects of palmitic acid may be mitigated when it is combined with a diet high in fiber and potassium.

See also

• Stearic acid
• Oleic acid
• Myristic acid

Palmitic acid Resources
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