Palmitic acid, hexadecanoic acid, 16-carbon chain fatty acid. It is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants and microorganisms. Formula is CH3(CH2)14COOH(C:D is 16:0). Major component of the oil from the fruit of oil palms (palm oil) (44\%).Acid moiety of some ester substrate. Can be the product of hydrolysis of an ester and act as an inhibitor of the enzyme and be found in the active site in some structures. synonyme of hexadecanoate