Classification Of Fatty Acids
Naturally occurring fatty acids have cis bonds. Trans-fatty acids are created artificially using a process called hydrogenation. A trans-fatty acid has a trans configuration rather than cis configuration at each double bond. This causes the molecule to straighten. These two stereoisomers can be distinguished in the following way:
1. In a cis stereoisomer, two similar groups attached to the carbon double bond are found on the same side.
2. In a trans stereoisomer, two similar groups attached to the carbon double bond are found on opposite sides.
