Name the reaction which is commonly used in the conversion of vegetable oils to fats. Explain the reaction involved in detail.
Addition reaction is used in the conversion of vegetable oils to fats. This is called hydrogenation of oil. Vegetable oils generally have long chains of unsaturated carbons, while animal fats have long chains of saturated carbons. Addition reaction is carried out in the presence of Ni as a catalyst. This reaction can be given by following equation:
It is important to note that unsaturated fat is healthy for eating. But saturated fat is unhealthy.
