Explanation:
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is the simplest fatty acid because it contains only two carbon atoms and belongs to the carboxylic acid group. Although it is a short-chain fatty acid, it is still considered a fatty acid because it has a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group.
Other options:
- (A) Palmitic acid – A long-chain saturated fatty acid (16 carbon atoms).
- (B) Butyric acid – A short-chain fatty acid (4 carbon atoms), but not the simplest.
- (C) Oleic acid – A monounsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms.
Thus, acetic acid is the simplest fatty acid among the given options.
Explanation by: Kirti
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is the simplest fatty acid because it contains only two carbon atoms and belongs to the carboxylic acid group. Although it is a short-chain fatty acid, it is still considered a fatty acid because it has a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group.
Other options:
- (A) Palmitic acid – A long-chain saturated fatty acid (16 carbon atoms).
- (B) Butyric acid – A short-chain fatty acid (4 carbon atoms), but not the simplest.
- (C) Oleic acid – A monounsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms.
Thus, acetic acid is the simplest fatty acid among the given options.