Question

In the presence of finely divided Ni, hydrogen reacts with vegetable oils. This process is known as:

• A. halogenation
• B. hydrogenation
• C. esterification
• D. oxidation

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen ($H_2$) and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium or platinum. The process is commonly employed to reduce or saturate organic compounds.The reaction may be one in which hydrogen simply adds to a double or triple bond connecting two atoms in the structure of the molecule or one in which the addition of hydrogen results in dissociation (breaking up) of the molecule called hydrogenolysis. The addition of hydrogen is used in the production of edible fats from liquid oils.