Explain hydrogenation with example.

Hydrogenation is the chemical process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated compounds, usually in the presence of a catalyst like nickel. A common example is the conversion of vegetable oils into vanaspati ghee.

Process of Hydrogenation

1. Unsaturated hydrocarbons (like vegetable oils) have double bonds.
2. Hydrogen gas is passed through oil in the presence of a nickel catalyst.
3. The double bonds convert to single bonds, making the oil more solid and saturated.

Chemical Reaction

Unsaturated Oil + H₂ → Saturated Fat (in presence of Ni catalyst)

Example

• Vegetable oils (unsaturated) → Vanaspati ghee (saturated).

Uses of Hydrogenation

• Making margarine and vanaspati ghee.
• Stabilizing oils for long-term storage.
• Producing industrial chemicals like methanol.

Advantages and Disadvantages