Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen 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, and typically involves the addition of pairs of hydrogen atoms to a molecule, often an alkene. Catalysts are required for the reaction to be usable, and non-catalytic hydrogenation takes place only at very high temperatures.
The hydrogenation of organic compounds (through addition and hydrogenolysis) is a reaction of great industrial importance. The addition of hydrogen is used in the production of edible fats from liquid oils. The catalysts most commonly used for hydrogenation reactions are the metals nickel, platinum, and palladium and their oxides.
Hydrogenation is also used in the food industry to convert unsaturated fats into saturated fats, which have a higher melting point and are more solid at room temperature. In addition, hydrogenation is used in the production of chemicals such as methanol and hydrocarbons.
Overall, hydrogenation is an important chemical process with a wide range of applications in industry and chemistry.
