Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Polyunsaturated
A polyunsaturated organic compound is one in which more than one double bond exists within the representative molecule. That is, the molecule has two or more points on its structure capable of supporting hydrogen atoms not currently part of the structure.
The lack of the extra hydrogen atoms on the molecule's surface typically reduces the strength of the compound's intermolecular forces, thus causing the melting point of the compound to be significantly higher. This property can be seen by comparing usually unsaturated vegetable oils, which remain liquid even at relatively low temperatures, to much more saturated butter, a substance which can solidify near room temperature.
See also
Last updated: 10-11-2005 04:00:37
10-26-2009 08:16:03
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The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details