Trilinoleate

Trilinoleate refers to a triglyceride molecule that contains three linoleic acid residues. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, meaning it has a chain of 18 carbon atoms with two double bonds, the first of which is located at the sixth carbon atom from the methyl end of the molecule. Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat. They are esters formed from one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules.

In the context of trilinoleate, each of the three fatty acid chains attached to the glycerol backbone is linoleic acid. This specific structure means that trilinoleate is a source of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Linoleic acid plays a role in various bodily functions, including skin barrier function, immune response, and growth and development.

Trilinoleate can be found in various vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil, which are rich in linoleic acid. While the term "trilinoleate" specifically denotes the presence of three linoleic acid units, it is part of the broader class of triglycerides. The properties and biological significance of trilinoleate are largely tied to the properties of linoleic acid itself.