Use line-angle formulas to write the balanced chemical equation for the acid hydrolysis of glyceryl trimyristate (trimyristin).

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of glyceryl trimyristate (trimyristin). It is a triglyceride composed of a glycerol backbone esterified with three myristic acid (C₁₄H₂₈O₂) molecules. Represent this structure using a line-angle formula.
2. Understand the process of acid hydrolysis. In this reaction, the ester bonds in the triglyceride are broken in the presence of water (H₂O) and an acid catalyst, producing glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) and three molecules of myristic acid.
3. Write the reactants for the balanced chemical equation. The reactants are glyceryl trimyristate and three molecules of water (H₂O).
4. Write the products for the balanced chemical equation. The products are one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of myristic acid.
5. Combine the reactants and products into a balanced chemical equation: C₃H₅(OCOC₁₃H₂₇)₃ + 3H₂O → C₃H₈O₃ + 3C₁₄H₂₈O₂. Use line-angle formulas to represent the structures of the compounds in the equation.

Key Concepts

Line-Angle Formulas

Line-angle formulas, also known as skeletal formulas, are a simplified way of representing organic molecules. In these diagrams, each vertex represents a carbon atom, and lines represent bonds between them. Hydrogen atoms are typically omitted for clarity, as they are assumed to be present to satisfy carbon's tetravalency. Understanding how to read and draw these formulas is essential for visualizing complex organic structures.

Acid Hydrolysis

Acid hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water and an acid are used to break down a compound, typically an ester or a triglyceride, into its constituent parts. In the case of glyceryl trimyristate, this process involves the cleavage of ester bonds, resulting in the formation of glycerol and fatty acids. Recognizing the role of acids and water in this reaction is crucial for writing the balanced equation.

Balanced Chemical Equations

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. This ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning matter is neither created nor destroyed in the reaction. Balancing equations involves adjusting coefficients to achieve this equality, which is vital for accurately depicting the stoichiometry of the reaction.