Oleic Acid Charge?

Question

I know one end of the oleic acid molecule has a slightly positive charge, and the other end has a slightly negative charge, but I don't know which. I know the carboxyl end is hydrophillic and is attracted to water, but does that make it postive? I have heard that water has a negative charge, but I have also heard that it is neutral.

Answer 1

The caboxylic end exists as the the carboxylate anion and is chelated to the hydrogen atoms of water which have a slight +ve charge.