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Coconut oil consists almost entirely of fats and oils - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 1
Coconut oil consists almost entirely of fats and oils. The typical fatty acid composition of coconut oil is shown in the following table. | Name | Formul... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Coconut oil consists almost entirely of fats and oils - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids typically found in coconut oil.
Answer
Coconut oil contains a very low percentage of omega-3 fatty acids. In the provided fatty acid composition table, only linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid, is present at 2%. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids are typically not found in significant amounts in coconut oil.
Step 2
State why coconut oil is resistant to oxidative rancidity.
Answer
Coconut oil is resistant to oxidative rancidity primarily due to its high saturation level. Being predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids, it has a stable chemical structure that is less prone to reacting with oxygen, which is a key factor in the oxidation process. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and phenolic compounds, contributes to its resistance against oxidative stress, thereby enhancing its shelf life and stability.