palmitic acid

chemical compound

Also known as: hexadecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid

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July 23, 2026

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Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula C₁₆H₃₂O₂. It is a waxy, crystalline compound that occurs naturally in most fats and oils, as well as in some essential oils and waxes. Fatty acids, including palmitic acid, are fundamental building blocks for lipids, which are essential components of cell membranes and storage fats in plants, animals, and microorganisms.1234

Palmitic acid is one of the most common fatty acids, making up a significant portion of body fat in animals and being abundant in certain vegetable fats like palm oil. While fatty acids are typically found combined with glycerol in triglycerides, they play crucial roles in various biological processes and have commercial applications in food products, soaps, detergents, and cosmetics.34

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carboxylic acid
Saturated aliphatic acids
to C₁₈ (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic), are present in the fats and oils of many animals and plants, with palmitic and stearic acids being the most prevalent. Lauric acid (C₁₂) is the main acid in coconut oil (45–50 percent) and palm kernel oil (45–55 percent). Nutmeg butter is…
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to C₁₈ (lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic), are present in the fats and oils of many animals and plants, with palmitic and stearic acids being the most prevalent. Lauric acid (C₁₂) is the main acid in coconut oil (45–50 percent) and palm kernel oil (45–55 percent). Nutmeg butter is…
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metabolism
Fragmentation of fatty acyl coenzyme A molecules
The 16-carbon fatty acid, palmitic acid, for example, undergoes a total of seven such cycles, yielding eight molecules of acetyl coenzyme A and 14 pairs of hydrogen atoms, seven of which appear in the form of FADH₂ and seven in the form of NADH + H⁺. The reduced coenzymes,…
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The 16-carbon fatty acid, palmitic acid, for example, undergoes a total of seven such cycles, yielding eight molecules of acetyl coenzyme A and 14 pairs of hydrogen atoms, seven of which appear in the form of FADH₂ and seven in the form of NADH + H⁺. The reduced coenzymes,…
Read More