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Evil
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i recently read in my biology notes that fats, namely triglcerides , are insouble in water but soluble in organic solvents...any ideas why?
Originally posted by Evil
watz dipersion forces?
Lipids are thus categorized by a physical property rather than by structural features.Any of a group of organic compounds, including the fats, oils, waxes, sterols, and triglycerides, that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents, are oily to the touch, and together with carbohydrates and proteins constitute the principal structural material of living cells.
Originally posted by Evil
wait doesn't dispersion forces make all molecules polar then? even for juz a moment?
Triglycerides are a type of fat that are found in many foods and are also produced by our bodies. They are important because they serve as a major source of energy for our bodies and also play a role in insulation and protection of our organs.
Triglycerides are insoluble in water because they are made up of long chains of fatty acids, which are non-polar molecules. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a positive and negative end, and is therefore unable to dissolve non-polar molecules like triglycerides.
Solvents are substances that are capable of dissolving other substances. In the case of triglycerides, solvents that are non-polar, such as oil, are able to dissolve them because they have similar chemical properties. This is why oils and fats are often used as solvents for other fats.
Emulsifiers are molecules that have both polar and non-polar ends, allowing them to interact with both water and fats. They help to break up large droplets of fat into smaller droplets, making it easier for them to mix with water. This is why emulsifiers are commonly used in foods such as salad dressings, which contain both oil and water.
Yes, triglycerides can be made soluble in water through a process called hydrolysis. This involves breaking down the triglyceride molecule into smaller components, such as fatty acids and glycerol, which are able to mix with water. This is how our bodies are able to digest and absorb fats from our food.