A

David

Darling

hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a reaction in which hydrogen is added to an element or compound, sometimes under pressure. Hydrogenation converts unsaturated organic compounds into saturated ones; an already saturated species will break up (destructive hydrogenation). Catalysts (commonly Raney nickel, palladium, and platinum) are used. Hydrogenation is used notably to turn vegetable oils into margarine and in petroleum refining.