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Triacylglycerols
- The chemical nature of fixed oils has already been discussed and the key materials have been identified as glycerol and a selection of fatty acids. When glycerol combines with three acids (whether the acids are all the same or all different) a particular sort of ester known as a triacylglycerol (=triglyceride) is formed.
- As glycerol is the common component in almost all of the vegetable oils, the differences that exist between the carrier oils can be attributed to the nature of the fatty acids.
- The three alcohol groups in glycerol may combine with the same acid or three different acids; there are many fatty acids hence there are many different vegetable oils
- Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy & Massage: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price