B1.1.10—Fatty acids
Fatty acids vary in chain length, double-bond number, and cis-trans arrangement, affecting molecular shape, saturation, melting point, and physical properties.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- B1.1.10
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing11%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–2
Common command terms
- Outline
- State
- Draw
- Distinguish
- Compare
- Identify
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Calling saturated fatty acids unsaturated because they contain a carboxyl group.
Recent exam appearances
May 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ32(c)[ 1 ]B1.1.10—Fatty acids
November 2024Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ28[ 1 ]B1.1.10—Fatty acids
May 2023Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ27[ 1 ]B1.1.10—Fatty acids
May 2021Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ110[ 1 ]B1.1.10—Fatty acids
November 2017Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ05(c)[ 2 ]B1.1.10—Fatty acids
Practice this objective
Coverage 2011–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Saturated fatty acids have no carbon-carbon double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain.
- Unsaturated fatty acids contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond.
- Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have multiple double bonds.
- Cis double bonds bend fatty acid chains, whereas trans double bonds keep them straighter.