Translations:Omega-3 fatty acid/12/en

Example

For example, α-linolenic acid (ALA; illustration) is an 18-carbon chain having three double bonds, the first being located at the third carbon from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain. Hence, it is an omega−3 fatty acid. Counting from the other end of the chain, that is the carboxyl end, the three double bonds are located at carbons 9, 12, and 15. These three locants are typically indicated as Δ9c, Δ12c, Δ15c, or cisΔ⁹, cisΔ¹², cisΔ¹⁵, or cis-cis-cis-Δ^9,12,15, where c or cis means that the double bonds have a cis configuration.