Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Lipid: A hydrophobic (lipophilic) or amphiphilic molecule of biological origin. Lipids are soluble in nonpolar solvents (such as hexane and diethyl ether) and insoluble in polar solvents (such as water).

Lipid Categories and Example Molecules


Stearic acid, a typical fatty acid.   
Wax   
Glycerol tristearate, a typical triglyceride.



Phospholipid   
Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), a typical prostaglandin.   
Cholesterol, a typical steroid.


Alpha-tocopherol, a typical hydrophobic (lipophilic) vitamin.   
Menthol, a typical terpenoid.