HYDROGENATION Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrogenation refers to a chemical process in which hydrogen gas is combined with another compound, typically an unsaturated organic compound, resulting in the formation of a saturated compound. It involves the addition of hydrogen atoms to the double or triple bonds present in the unsaturated compound, leading to the conversion of these bonds into single bonds. This reaction is facilitated by the use of a catalyst, such as a metal catalyst, which aids in the breaking of the double or triple bonds and the attachment of hydrogen atoms.
The primary purpose of hydrogenation is to modify the properties of a substance, often done to alter its chemical or physical characteristics. It is commonly employed in the food industry to convert liquid vegetable oils into solid fats, such as margarine or shortening, thereby improving their texture, stability, and shelf life. Additionally, hydrogenation can enhance the taste and color stability of certain food products.
In addition to its applications in the food industry, hydrogenation plays a significant role in the chemical and petroleum industries. It is used to produce various products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, and certain chemical compounds. The process of hydrogenation can result in the formation of multiple products, each with distinctive properties depending on the reaction conditions and the presence of specific catalysts.
Overall, hydrogenation is a chemical process that involves the addition of hydrogen to an unsaturated compound, primarily used for modifying the physical and chemical properties of substances in industries such as food, chemical, and petroleum.
Common Misspellings for HYDROGENATION
Etymology of HYDROGENATION
The word "hydrogenation" is derived from the combination of two terms: "hydrogen" and "-ation".
The term "hydrogen" comes from the Greek words "hudōr" meaning "water" and "genēs" meaning "born" or "created". Thus, "hydrogen" signifies "the substance that generates water".
The suffix "-ation" is a common suffix used in English to indicate the act, process, or result of a verb. It is derived from the Latin suffix "-atio" and the Greek suffix "-sis". "-ation" is added to verbs to create nouns denoting the action or process associated with that verb.
Therefore, "hydrogenation" combines these two components to give the term its meaning. It refers to the process or act of adding hydrogen to a substance, often in the context of chemical reactions or food processing.
Similar spelling words for HYDROGENATION
- hydrogen atom,
- hydrogen ion,
- hydroxyl ion,
- hydrogen bomb,
- hydrogen sulfide,
- hydrogen bromide,
- hydrogenate,
- hydrogen bond,
- hydrogen cyanide,
- Hydrogen Azide,
- hydrogen-bomb,
- hydrogenated,
- hydrostatic,
- hydrogen iodide.
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