Name the functional group of organic compounds that can be hydrogenated. With the help of a suitable example, explain the process of hydrogenation, mentioning the conditions of the reaction and any one change in physical property with the formation of the product. Name any one natural source of organic compounds that are hydrogenated.
Ethene (CH2=CH2) can be hydrogenated.
The addition of hydrogen to an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of catalysts such as palladium or nickel to give a saturated hydrocarbon is called hydrogenation.
Example: Ethene (CH2=CH2) reacts with hydrogen in the presence of nickel catalyst to produce ethane (CH3-CH3).
This reaction is commonly used in hydrogenation of vegetable oil into vegetable ghee (solid fat)
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