2.3 Physical Properties of Fatty Acids

• Physical Properties of Fatty acids:

  1. Water Solubility
  2. Melting Point
• In terms of Solubility, Short - chain fatty acids have some solubility, whereas long - chain fatty acids are insoluble
• Short-chain fatty acids are sparingly soluble because of the presence of carboxylic group
• The melting point of fatty acids depends on the following factors:

  1. Length of carbon chain
  2. Degree of unsaturation
• • The number of “ bends ” in a fatty acid chain increases as the number of double bonds increases.
  • Less packing occurs
  • Melting point is lower
  • Tend to be liquid at room temperature