MHT CET202616 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryActual
What type of following reactions, the oxidative rancidity is?
Options
- Aaddition
- Bsubstitution
- Cfree radical chain reaction
- Ddisplacement
Correct answer
C. free radical chain reaction
Step-by-step solution
Oxidative rancidity is the process of autoxidation of lipids (fats and oils) exposed to oxygen, resulting in unpleasant odors and flavors. This autoxidation proceeds via a free radical chain reaction mechanism. The mechanism involves three main steps: initiation (formation of lipid free radicals), propagation (reaction of lipid radicals with oxygen to form peroxyl radicals, which abstract hydrogen from other lipid molecules), and termination (combination of radicals to form stable, non-radical products). Therefore,