Asked by Suzanne Dudiak on Sep 25, 2024

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The prostaglandin precursor arachidonic acid has the molecular formula C20H32O2. Given that arachidonic acid is an acyclic carboxylic acid that contains no carbon-carbon triple bonds, how many carbon-carbon double bonds are present?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
E) 6

Prostaglandin Precursor

A substance that undergoes biochemical transformation to form prostaglandins, which are involved in various physiological functions.

Arachidonic Acid

A polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid important for the production of eicosanoids, regulating immune and inflammatory responses.

Acyclic Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic acids that do not contain a ring structure, typically with one or more straight or branched chain structures.

  • Recognize the significance of molecular formulas in identifying the presence of rings and bonds in hydrocarbons by examining their structural aspects.
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Victoria Molina3 days ago
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
To determine the number of carbon-carbon double bonds, we need to look for the unsaturated parts of the molecule, which are designated by the "U" symbol in the molecular formula. Arachidonic acid has four unsaturated parts: 1U1B12, 0O2, 1U1B0, and 0. Each "U" represents a carbon-carbon double bond. Therefore, there are a total of four carbon-carbon double bonds in arachidonic acid.