Odd-chain fatty acid

In terms of physical properties, odd and even fatty acids are similar, generally being colorless, soluble in alcohols, and often somewhat oily.

However, propionyl-CoA instead of acetyl-CoA is used as the primer for the biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids with an odd number of carbon atoms.

[6] Finally, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, a vitamin B12-dependent enzyme, converts L-methylmalonyl-CoA into succinyl-CoA using a free radical mechanism.

[8] In humans, in sharp contrast to butyrate and octanoate, the odd-chain SCFA, propionate, has no inhibitory effect on glycolysis and does not stimulate ketogenesis.

[9] Odd-chain and branched-chain fatty acids, which form propionyl-CoA, can serve as minor precursors for gluconeogenesis.