ABSTRACT
The structures of stereospecic (sn-1, sn-2, and sn-3) triacylglycerols (TAGs) are shown in Figure 21.1 using dioleoylpalmitoylglycerol as the example. The regiospecic isomers (sn-2 and sn-1,3) do not differentiate the sn-1 and sn-3 location isomers (Figure 21.1B and 21.1C). The location of acyl chains on the glycerol backbone of TAG from biological origins can be used in determining the acylation steps in the biosynthetic pathway. Regiospecic locations of acyl chains on the glycerol backbone affect the physical properties of the oils (TAG) for industrial uses (e.g., viscosity, pour point, melting point, heat of fusion, solubility, crystal structure, and polymorphism) [1]. It also affects the human absorption of oil in food and is thus valuable in nutritional value for food industry.
