Fatty Acids Unbranched carboxylic acids with 12-20 carbons. Most contain an even number of carbons because they are built from acetic acid units. Melting points increase with increasing molecular weights. Unsaturation greatly lowers the melting point. => Chapter 25 6 Chapter 25 6 Fatty Acids • Unbranched carboxylic acids with 12-20 carbons. • Most contain an even number of carbons because they are built from acetic acid units. • Melting points increase with increasing molecular weights. • Unsaturation greatly lowers the melting point. =>