The addition of hydrogen to an alkene in the presence of a nickel catalyst is called

  • A. dehydration
  • B. hydrogenation
  • C. hydrolysis
  • D. halogenation

Explanation

Hydrogen adds across the double bond to give the corresponding alkane, and this is the process used to convert liquid vegetable oils into solid fats such as margarine. Nickel at about 150 degrees Celsius is the usual catalyst, though platinum works at lower temperatures. Excessive hydrogenation in food manufacture produces trans fats, which is why the extent of the reaction is controlled.

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