Thursday, August 29, 2013

Favorite Organic Molecule

I would have to say that my favorite organic molecule is the oleic acid that is found in animal and vegetable fats. Oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that has much use in manufacture and medication. I like this molecule because it is common in vegetable and animal fats. This is something natural around us all that is easy to find. Oleic acid is a bent chain in which contains eighteen carbons, thirty four hydrogen, and two oxygen. The bent shape is caused by the double bond which also causes the molecule to crystalline because of the shape. As we all know, fats and oils are not soluble in water. This is because of the hydrophobic tail and a hydrophillic head. This acid is a red to yellow liquid, and it will cause irritation to the skin if it comes in contact. This molecule is emitted into the air from an insect's body when the insect dies. This is a warning sign for other insects around to know there is a dead insect body there. I found that interesting to know that it is not only found as a fat in animals and plants but also as a chemical warning for insects. Other than the insects, this molecule can be found in soap base and in other products such as fragrance, surface coatings, and medication. The health effect about this molecule in food is that it lower the cholesterol level. It has also been studied and shown to slow down heart diseases.
C18H34O2

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Oleic_acid.svg/800px-Oleic_acid.svg.png

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