Reactivity of unsaturated fatty acids

• In general, Unsaturated Fatty acid have CIS configuration.

a) Reduction:

-CH=CH- + XH₂ —-> Reduction—-> CH₂-CH₂ + X^–

b) Oxidation :

 -CH=CH- + O₂ –oxidation–> -CH-CH- (Epoxide)

                                                    O

• It has characteristics smell called rancid and the process is called rancidity.

c) Hydration:

-CH=CH- + H₂O –> -CH-CH2

                                 O

d) Isomerization:

• Cis and trans isomerization can occur.