Question

question 23 (1 point)
palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbons and no double bonds (16:0). find its molecular formula.
c₁₆h₃₀o₂
c₁₈h₃₀o₂
c₁₈h₃₆o₂
c₁₆h₃₂o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the general formula for saturated fatty acids

The general formula for a saturated fatty acid is \(C_nH_{2n}O_2\).

Step2: Substitute \(n = 16\) into the formula

When \(n = 16\), the number of hydrogen atoms \(= 2n=2\times16 = 32\).
So the molecular formula is \(C_{16}H_{32}O_2\).

Answer:

C. \(C_{16}H_{32}O_2\)