LIPIDS: Fixed Oils, Fats, and Waxes

What are fixed oils, fats, and waxes primarily composed of?

Esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols, or closely related derivatives.

What is the primary source of fixed oils?

Vegetables.

What state are fixed oils typically in at room temperature?

Liquid.

What is the defining characteristic of fats compared to fixed oils?

Fats are typically solid or semi-solid at room temperature and derived from animals.

What is a wax primarily composed of?

Long chain fatty acids and high molecular weight alcohols.

What is the process of extraction by expression?

Mechanically pressing liquid from solids; commonly used for fixed oils.

What does the acid value indicate in lipid testing?

The number of mg of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free acids in 1 g of the oil.

What does a high acid value suggest about an oil?

It may indicate that the oil has become rancid.

What is the saponification value used for?

To determine the amount of potassium hydroxide needed to hydrolyze the esters in 1 g of a substance.

What defines a drying oil?

An oil that when exposed to air undergoes oxidation and forms a tough and hard film.

What is olive oil primarily used for?

As a setting retardant for dental cements, soaps, plasters, emollient, laxative, and liniment.

What fatty acid is known as the primary constituent of coconut oil?

Lauric acid.

What type of fatty acid is arachidonic acid classified as?

Unsaturated fatty acid.

Which method is primarily used to extract fats?

Rendering.

What are some uses of waxes in pharmaceuticals?

Protectants and emulsifying agents.

How are unsaturated fatty acids typically characterized?

They contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain.

What does the iodine value measure in lipids?

The degree of unsaturation in fats or oils.

What is the main characteristic of a non-drying oil?

It does not undergo oxidation nor form tough and hard films.

Where does castor oil originate from?

Ripe seed of Ricinus communis.

What is the source of lanolin?

The wool of sheep, specifically Ovis aries.

What are prostaglandins?

C20 lipid metabolites formed in the body from essential unsaturated fatty acids.

What is the pharmacological effect of prostaglandins in the female reproductive system?

They cause contractions and relaxation of smooth muscles.

What is the primary use of Dinoprostone?

As a uterine stimulant to terminate second trimester pregnancy.

What distinguishes dry, semi-drying, and non-drying oils?

Their reaction to exposure to air and ability to form films upon oxidation.

What is jojoba oil derived from?

Seeds of Simmondsia chinensis.

What are some common characteristics of saturated fatty acids?

They have no double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains and are generally solid at room temperature.

What is the primary constituent of safflower oil?

Linoleic acid, with significant amounts of oleic acid.