Unsaturated fats with trans double bonds produced by partial hydrogenation, linked to heart disease.
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Trans fats are unsaturated fatty acids whose double bonds have the trans configuration, so the chain runs more nearly straight than in cis isomers. They are mainly produced industrially by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, which converts some cis double bonds to trans and gives semisolid fats with long shelf life. Trans fatty acids raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, promoting atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Small amounts also occur naturally in ruminant meat and milk. Many countries have now restricted or banned industrial trans fats in foods.
Key ideas: Formed when partial hydrogenation of vegetable oil with nickel catalyst isomerizes some cis double bonds to trans. Trans chains are straight like saturated ones, raising melting point and shelf life, but they raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk. Many countries ban or cap industrial trans fat.
Common mistakes and connections: Students assume trans fats are saturated fats; they are unsaturated but geometrically changed. Full hydrogenation yields saturated fat with no trans. Small amounts occur naturally in dairy. Links to cis-trans isomerism, catalysis and cholesterol.
Melting points of C18 acids. The trans isomer elaidic acid packs more like a straight saturated chain, so it melts far above its cis isomer, oleic acid. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Some margarines and baked goods made with partially hydrogenated oil contain trans fats.
Unsaturated fats with trans double bonds produced by partial hydrogenation, linked to heart disease.
Trans Fats is a advanced topic in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry. It builds on beginner and intermediate topics, so review those first if needed.
Study these earlier topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry first: Hormones, Fats and Oils, Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids.
The next topics in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry are Phospholipids and Cholesterol.
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Trans Fats, and the Biochemistry, Environment & Industry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Trans Fats is topic 20 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.
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