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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
a. Determine the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids typically found in coconut oil.
Answer
Coconut oil contains a minimal percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, primarily due to the fatty acid composition. In the provided table, the only component close to omega-3 fatty acids is linoleic acid, which is typically considered an omega-6 fatty acid and constitutes 2%. Therefore, the approximate percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in coconut oil is 0%.
Step 2
b. State why coconut oil is resistant to oxidative rancidity.
Answer
Coconut oil is resistant to oxidative rancidity primarily due to its high levels of saturated fats, particularly lauric acid. Saturated fats are less prone to oxidation compared to unsaturated fats, as they have fewer double bonds that can react with oxygen. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants in coconut oil helps further stabilize it against oxidative damage, making it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures without significant degradation.