Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
O
12
9
OH
18
ω
O
9
6
3
1
HO
1
9
12
15
18
α
ω
O
9
6
3
1
HO
1
9
12
15
18
α
Structure of α-Linolenic Acid
ω
O
6
1
HO
1
6
9
12
Structure of γ-Linolenic Acid
FIGURE 5.13
Chemical structures of some essential fatty acids.
ω
1
O
O
9
6
3
HO
1
9
12
15
18
α
FIGURE 5.14
Chemical structure example of an omega fatty acid.
5.19 SEPARATIONS
The separation of fatty acids has been achieved successfully using gas chromatog-
raphy (GC) (see Chapter 2, Figure 2.2). Successful GC analysis is best achieved by
first converting the fatty acids into their respective methyl esters, which reduces their
polarity, and under GC conditions, base line separation is achieved.
5.20 PROSTAGLANDINS, THROMBOXANES, AND LEUKOTRIENES
One very important group of compounds derived from fatty acids is the prostaglan-
dins (Figure 5.15). The prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon
ring. The prostaglandins, together with the thromboxanes and prostacyclins, are
known as the prostanoid class of fatty acid derivatives, which in turn is a subclass of
eicosanoids. They are formed in body tissues through the metabolism of the essential
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