How are fatty acids classified?

Carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon chains containing between 4 to 36 carbons • Almost all natural fatty acids have an even number of carbons • Most natural fatty acids are unbranched • Saturated: no double bonds between carbons in the chain • Monounsaturated: one double bond between carbons in the alkyl chain • Polyunsaturated: more than one double bond in the alkyl chain