Fatty acid is a kind of carboxylic acid compound also called free fatty acid when it exists alone Three long chain fatty acids and glycerol form three acid as the main components of the fat The lower fatty acids are colorless liquids with pungent odors while the higher fatty acids are waxy solids with no obvious smell Fatty acids are the simplest of fats and the constituents of many more complex fats With sufficient oxygen supply fatty acids can be oxidized and decomposed into carbon dioxide and water releasing a lot of energy Therefore fatty acids are one of the main energy sources of the body Fatty acids can be used as emulsifiers lubricants and gloss agents Can also be used in the production of advanced soap transparent soap