HEXADECANOIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Hexadecanoic acid, commonly known as palmitic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C16H32O2. It is a straight-chain carboxylic acid that consists of 16 carbon atoms, 32 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Hexadecanoic acid is classified as a long-chain fatty acid and is commonly found in various natural sources, including animal fats and vegetable oils.
This fatty acid is usually in the form of a white, odorless, and tasteless solid at room temperature. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. Hexadecanoic acid is known for being one of the most abundant fatty acids in nature and plays a crucial role in biological systems.
Hexadecanoic acid is used in various applications across different industries. It is widely utilized in the production of soaps, detergents, and cosmetics due to its cleansing and emollient properties. Additionally, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals, including lubricants, plastics, and surfactants. In the food industry, hexadecanoic acid is utilized as a food additive and flavoring agent. It is also an important component of a balanced diet, as it provides a source of energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Overall, hexadecanoic acid is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in industries such as personal care, food, and chemical manufacturing.
Common Misspellings for HEXADECANOIC ACID
- gexadecanoic acid
- bexadecanoic acid
- nexadecanoic acid
- jexadecanoic acid
- uexadecanoic acid
- yexadecanoic acid
- hwxadecanoic acid
- hsxadecanoic acid
- hdxadecanoic acid
- hrxadecanoic acid
- h4xadecanoic acid
- h3xadecanoic acid
- hezadecanoic acid
- hecadecanoic acid
- hedadecanoic acid
- hesadecanoic acid
- hexzdecanoic acid
- hexsdecanoic acid
- hexwdecanoic acid
Etymology of HEXADECANOIC ACID
The word "Hexadecanoic Acid" is derived from its chemical composition and structure. "Hexa-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "hex", meaning "six", indicating that there are six carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. "Deca-" is also a prefix derived from the Greek word "deka", meaning "ten", indicating that there are ten hydrogen atoms in the fatty acid chain. Lastly, "anoic acid" indicates that it is a carboxylic acid, which contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) bonded to the end of the carbon chain. Therefore, "Hexadecanoic Acid" refers to a compound with a sixteen-carbon chain and a carboxyl group at the end.
Idioms with the word HEXADECANOIC ACID
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