HEPTADECANOIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Heptadecanoic acid, also known as margaric acid, is a saturated fatty acid belonging to the group of long-chain fatty acids. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and possesses a chemical formula of C17H34O2. The name "heptadecanoic" is derived from the fact that it contains 17 carbon atoms in its carbon chain.
Heptadecanoic acid is commonly found in natural sources such as dairy products, including milk and cheese, as well as in various animal fats. It can also be synthesized through chemical processes or derived from plant sources. In addition to its presence in biological systems and food sources, heptadecanoic acid is also used in various industrial applications, including the production of cosmetics, soaps, and detergents.
From a nutritional perspective, heptadecanoic acid is considered a fatty acid with saturated characteristics. It is classified as a medium-chain fatty acid due to its 17 carbon atoms, placing it between short-chain and long-chain fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids like heptadecanoic acid play important roles in the body, providing a concentrated source of energy. However, excessive consumption of saturated fats can lead to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases.
Overall, heptadecanoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid with various applications in both biological and industrial contexts. Its chemical properties and presence in different sources make it an important component of our daily lives.
Common Misspellings for HEPTADECANOIC ACID
- geptadecanoic acid
- beptadecanoic acid
- neptadecanoic acid
- jeptadecanoic acid
- ueptadecanoic acid
- yeptadecanoic acid
- hwptadecanoic acid
- hsptadecanoic acid
- hdptadecanoic acid
- hrptadecanoic acid
- h4ptadecanoic acid
- h3ptadecanoic acid
- heotadecanoic acid
- heltadecanoic acid
- he-tadecanoic acid
- he0tadecanoic acid
- hepradecanoic acid
- hepfadecanoic acid
- hepgadecanoic acid
Etymology of HEPTADECANOIC ACID
The word "heptadecanoic" comes from the combination of two parts - "hepta" and "decanoic".
- "Hepta" is derived from the Greek word "heptá", meaning "seven". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terminology to indicate the number seven.
- "Decanoic" is derived from "deca", which comes from the Greek word "déka", meaning "ten". It is also used as a prefix in scientific terminology to indicate the number ten.
Therefore, "heptadecanoic" indicates a fatty acid with a carbon chain length of seventeen.
Lastly, "acid" refers to the carboxylic acid functional group present in the compound.
