Question

lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with 12 carbons and no double bond. find its molecular formula. c₁₀h₂₂o₂ c₁₂h₂₄o₂ c₁₆h₃₂o₂ c₁₂h₂₀o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the general formula for saturated fatty acids

The general formula for a saturated fatty acid with \(n\) carbon atoms is \(C_{n}H_{2n}O_{2}\).

Step2: Substitute \(n = 12\) into the formula

When \(n = 12\), the formula becomes \(C_{12}H_{2\times12}O_{2}=C_{12}H_{24}O_{2}\).

Answer:

B. \(C_{12}H_{24}O_{2}\)