A long-chain carboxylic acid that contains one or more C=C double bonds. See saturated fatty acid.

A fatty acid possessing one or more double bonds between the carbons in the hydrocarbon tail. Such bonding reduces the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon skeleton.

A fatty acid that lacks hydrogen atoms and has at least one double bond between carbons. Includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. An unsaturated fat is composed of triglycerides in which most of the fatty acids are unsaturated.

a fatty acid whose carbon chain can absorb additional hydrogen atoms

Also see fatty acids. When there is one carbon to carbon double bond within the fatty acid chain, the fatty acid is described as being monounsaturated; the occurrence of two or mor e carbon to carbon double bonds in the fatty acid chain will result in a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The double bonds mean that the carbon atoms have fewer hydrogen atoms attached to them. Fats formed from this type of fatty acid will be softer. The greater the degree of unsaturation, the softer the fat and, indeed, an oil may be produced. Food manufacturers must take into consideration, the fact that softer fats are naturally more susceptible to oxidation.

a fatty acid that could accommodate more hydrogen atoms than it currently does