Pentadecanoic acid

Pentadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid that is commonly found in various dairy products and certain types of meat. It is a long-chain fatty acid with 15 carbon atoms, hence the prefix "penta" in its name. The chemical formula of pentadecanoic acid is C15H30O2.

Structure and Properties

Pentadecanoic acid is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) at one end of the chain and a methyl group (-CH3) at the other end. The molecular structure of pentadecanoic acid is CH3(CH2)13COOH.

The physical properties of pentadecanoic acid include a melting point of 52-54 °C and a boiling point of 270-272 °C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform.

Sources and Uses

Pentadecanoic acid is found in various food sources, particularly in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter. It is also found in certain types of meat, including beef and pork.

In the human body, pentadecanoic acid is metabolized into palmitic acid, another type of saturated fatty acid. It is also used in the production of soaps and cosmetics due to its emollient properties.

Health Effects

The health effects of pentadecanoic acid are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that high levels of pentadecanoic acid in the diet may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, while others suggest that it may have protective effects against certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Saturated fatty acid
• Palmitic acid
• Dairy products
• Heart disease
• Cancer