answersLogoWhite

0

The only molecules that are soluble in water are those that are polar. Also, ionic compounds are soluble in water, but they are not true molecules. They are insoluble in water because they are composed primarily of long chains of hydrocarbons. Fatty acids consist of long, unbranched hydrocarbons with a carboxylic acid group at one end. The number of carbon atoms in a fatty acid molecule is usually even (6, 8, 12, 32, 36, etc.), although it is not impossible to find a fatty acid with an odd number of carbon atoms in its structure. While the long, hydrocarbon chain of the fatty acid continues to be strongly hydrophobic, the presence of the carboxylic acid group at one end of the molecule adds some hydrophilic properties. Small fatty acids such as propionic acid (with 3 carbon atoms) mixes with water readily, caproic acid (with 6 carbon atoms) is only 0.4 percent soluble in water. When fatty acids or other nonpolar molecules are put into water, the water repels them because there are no parts of the molecule that have charge, thus no attraction.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are the pharmaceutical uses of oxalic acid?

The pharmaceutical uses of Oxalic Acid is to prepare organic acids. Oxalic Acids are important for the metabolism. The water solubility is important in breaking down fatty acids.


Cetyl alcohol water solubility?

Cetyl alcohol is minimally soluble in water, with a solubility of around 0.005 g/100 mL at room temperature. It is a fatty alcohol and its solubility in water is limited due to its hydrophobic nature.


Is amino acid insoluble?

Amino acids are generally soluble in water due to their hydrophilic nature. However, the solubility of a specific amino acid can vary depending on its side chain properties. Some amino acids may have limited solubility in nonpolar solvents but are usually soluble in water.


What part of the cell does not mix with water?

fatty acids


What part of the cell membrane does not with water?

fatty acids


What are organic macromolecules that are insoluble in water?

Fatty acids are insoluble in water.


What is an organic macromolecule that are insoluble in water?

Fatty acids are insoluble in water.


What is the chemical reaction for dehydration of fatty acids?

The chemical reaction for dehydration of fatty acids involves the removal of water molecules to form a double bond between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. This reaction is catalyzed by enzymes such as fatty acid desaturases. Dehydration of fatty acids is an important step in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in organisms.


What is this chemical reaction fatty acids plus triglyceride plus water?

The chemical reaction is hydrolysis, where fatty acids and glycerol molecules are produced from the breakdown of a triglyceride molecule by water. This reaction is catalyzed by enzymes called lipases.


Strychnine solubility in water?

Strychnine solubility in water is 0,02 % at 20 oC.


Is Fatty acids soluble in water?

Generally not, but some lower (short chained) are at least slightly soluble.Added:The only soluble fatty acid is acetic acid, butyric acid is slightly soluble, the other quite insoluble. However in alkaline solution they all are solble (as saltic anion, acetate to stearate, soap)


What part of the cell membranes does not mix with water?

fatty acids