Question

What is the delta notation of a fatty acid with the omega notation 20:5 (w-3)?

Answer 1

Answer: Delta notation is 20:5 ( 5, 8, 11, 14, 17) or else it can be written as 20:5-delta-5c,8c,11c,14c,17c.

Explanation: Omega 3 fatty acids also called as -3 fatty acid. They are mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are characterized by the double bond (C=C) that are closest to omega end of the fatty acid.

- The omega acid with notation 20:5 (-3) is Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

- Below is the diagram showing both delta and omega position.

- For delta notation, following are the things to be considered:

1. Number of carbons in the omega 3 fatty acid
2. Number of double bonds present
3. Number of carbons from the Carboxylic acid end to the first carbon in the double bond.

- The omega notations tells there are 20 number of carbons in the fatty acid with 5 double bonds and with double bond from the omega end is three carbons away.

- Let’s start naming:

• Number of carbons in the omega 3 fatty acid: 20
• Number of double bonds present: 5
• Start with counting number of carbons from the Carboxylic acid end to the first double bond carbon and then follow the other double bonds as well: 5,8,11,14,17 (double bond location)

- So the delta notation will be 20:5 ( 5, 8, 11, 14, 17) or else it can be written as 20:5-delta-5c,8c,11c,14c,17c.