2.6 Chemical Reactions of Triacylglycerols

• Chemical Reactions of Triacylglycerols:

  • Hydrolysis
  • Saponification
  • Hydrogenation
  • Oxidation
• Hydrolysis

  • Chemical properties of triacylglycerols are typical of the functional groups esters and alkenes
  • Carried out by enzymes produced by the pancreas in a stepwise manner
  • Has 2 types: Complete and Partial
• Complete Hydrolysis

  • When all three fatty acids are removed
• Partial Hydrolysis

  • When one or more fatty acid residue remains
• Saponification

  • Hydrolysis in basic solution
  • Products: Fatty acid and glycerol salts
• Hydrogenation

  • Addition of hydrogen across C–C multiple bonds, which increases degree of saturation.
• Oxidation

  • Leads to C=C breakage that produces both aldehyde and carboxylic acid products.
• After oxidation, products often have objectionable odors. Fats and oils are said to be rancid.
• To avoid this unwanted oxidation process, antioxidants are added as preservatives.

  Examples of these are: Vitamin C and E