What is the Difference Between Palmitic Acid and Stearic Acid?

Palmitic acid and stearic acid are both saturated fatty acids, but they differ in their chemical structure and cholesterol-raising effects:

• Chemical Structure: Palmitic acid has a chemical formula of C16H32O2, while stearic acid has a chemical formula of C17H35CO2H.
• Carbon Atoms: Palmitic acid has 16 carbon atoms, whereas stearic acid has 18 carbon atoms.
• Cholesterol-Raising Effects: It is generally believed that palmitic acid is more cholesterol-raising than stearic acid. When compared to palmitic acid, stearic acid lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, which is a well-known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).

In summary, the main differences between palmitic acid and stearic acid are their chemical structure, carbon atom count, and effects on cholesterol levels. While palmitic acid is more cholesterol-raising, stearic acid has a less significant impact on cholesterol levels and is considered the healthier option among the two.

Comparative Table: Palmitic Acid vs Stearic Acid

Palmitic acid and stearic acid are both saturated fatty acids found in the Western diet, but they have different chemical structures and properties. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Palmitic acid has 16 carbon atoms and 32 hydrogen atoms, while stearic acid has 18 carbon atoms and 35 hydrogen atoms. The key difference between the two is that palmitic acid is more cholesterol-raising than stearic acid. Commercially available stearic acid is often a mixture of stearic acid and palmitic acid, with a small amount of myristic acid. Both acids have various applications, such as surfactants and softening agents, due to their polar head group and nonpolar chain.