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7. Which of the following triglycerides has the lowest melting point and why? Option 1 Option 2 A. Option 1, because its fatty acids have more carbons, which results in increased van der Waals interactions between triglyceride molecules B. Option 2, because its fatty acids have more carbons, which results in increased van der Waals interactions between triglyceride molecules C. Option 1, because its fatty acids have double bonds, which results in decreased van der Waals interactions between triglyceride molecules D. Option 2, because its fatty acids have no double bonds, which results in decreased van der Waals interactions between triglyceride molecules

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C. Option 1, because its fatty acids have double bonds, which results in decreased van der Waals interactions between triglyceride molecules.

The melting point of triclyderides is decided by the extent of van der Waals interaction between the molecules, which in turn depends on the shape of the molecule. If the molecules have a uniform rod like shape, they are easier to pack together. This results in better van der Waals interaction and higher melting point. This is true in case of triglycerides with saturated fatty acids.

The double bonds (particularly cis-double bonds) in a fatty acid introduce a kink in the shape and push the chains apart slightly making it more difficult to pack the molecules together. This weakens the van der Waal’s interactions
between them and lowers the melting point. Higher the extent of unsaturation, lower is the melting point.

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