Why are fatty acids classified as acids?

Classification of Fatty Acids. One system of fatty acid classification is based on the number of double bonds. 0 double bonds: saturated fatty acids. Stearic acid is a typical long chain saturated fatty acid. 1 double bond: monounsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid is a typical monounsaturated fatty acid. read more

A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an unbranched chain of an even number of carbon atoms, from 4 to 28. read more

The fatty acids without carbon-carbon double bonds are classified as saturated, and those containing carbon-carbon double bonds are classified as unsaturated. Palmitic and stearic acids are the most common saturated fatty acids, and oleic and linoleic acids are the most common unsaturated fatty acids. read more