IB DP Chemistry: HL复习笔记10.2.4 Alkenes - Hydrogenation

• Alkenes are very useful compounds as they can undergo many types of reactions
• They can therefore be used as starting molecules when making new compounds
• The reaction between an alkene and hydrogen is known as hydrogenation or reduction
• As well as a nickel catalyst, this requires a temperature of 200 °C and a pressure of 1000 kPa

Catalytic hydrogenation converts alkenes into useful alkanes

• One important application of this reaction is in the production of margarine from vegetable oils
• Vegetable oils are unsaturated and may be hydrogenated to make margarine, which has a higher melting point due to stronger London Dispersion Forces
• By controlling the conditions it is possible to restrict how many of the C=C bonds are broken and produce partially hydrogenated vegetable oils which have which have the desired properties and textures for margarine manufacture