Question: Oils containing highly unsaturated acids like linolenic acid undergo oxidation in air. This reaction, called oxidative rancidity, is accelerated by heat, explaining why saturated fats

Oils containing highly unsaturated acids like linolenic acid undergo oxidation in air. This reaction, called oxidative rancidity, is accelerated by heat, explaining why saturated fats are preferred for deep fat frying.
Oils containing highly unsaturated acids like linolenic acid undergo oxidation

(a) Molecular oxygen is a diradical. What type of mechanism does a diradical suggest for this reaction?
(b) Why is the position shown (C-11) a likely site for attack?
(c) Propose a plausible mechanism for this reaction.
(d) BHA and BHT are antioxidants added to foods to interrupt the oxidation mechanism. Suggest how these molecules might work as antioxidants.

Oils containing highly unsaturated acids like linolenic acid undergo oxidation

COOH 0-0 O-O O-OH C(CH3)3 (CH3)3C CH3 BHT OCH3 BHA

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a High termperature and the diradical O 2 molecule strongly suggest a radical mechanism b Radical st... View full answer

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