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Hydrogenation Definition

Chemistry Glossary Terms

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

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Definition: Hydrogenation is a reduction reaction which results in an addition of hydrogen (usually as H2). If an organic compound is hydrogenated, it becomes more 'saturated'. Hydrogenation has many applications, but most people are familiar with the reaction as the one used to make liquid oils into semi-solid and solid fats. There may be some health concerns associated with hydrogenation of unsaturated dietary fats to produce saturated fats and trans fats.

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