HN210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Semipermeable Membrane, The Alteration, Rancidification

• School: WLU
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HN210

Document Summary

Reaction & process in a chemical process known as hydrogenation, hydrogen atoms are added to a molecule. Unsaturated fats like vegetable oils are often transformed via this process into more saturated fats like margarine or shortening. A metal catalyst, such as nickel or palladium, and hydrogen gas under high pressure are often used in the process. The reaction takes place when the metal catalyst, hydrogen gas, and unsaturated fat, sometimes referred to as an alkene, are combined in a reactor. The hydrogen atoms are helped to become activated by the metal catalyst so they may join with the unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fat absorbs more hydrogen atoms as the process progresses, creating a more stable, solid molecule. Partial and full hydrogenation reactions are the two different forms. Only a portion of the fat"s unsaturated bonds are changed to saturated ones during a partial hydrogenation process.