Answer
Hydrogenation of Glyceryl Trioleate
Glyceryl trioleate is a triacylglycerol consisting of three oleic acid molecules esterified to glycerol. Oleic acid contains a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) — specifically a cis-alkene group. When glyceryl trioleate is subjected to hydrogenation, hydrogen gas (H₂) is added in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., Ni, Pd), which reduces the alkene group to an alkane group.
This process removes the double bonds, converting the unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids, turning liquid oils into solid fats (as in margarine production).
This is incorrect. Hydrogenation does not affect ester groups, and alkene groups are being removed — not formed.
This is correct. Hydrogenation saturates the double bonds in fatty acid chains, converting C=C to C-C bonds.
Incorrect. No oxidation or rearrangement occurs in hydrogenation that would convert esters into ketones.
Incorrect. Ester hydrolysis, not hydrogenation, is needed to produce a carboxylic acid from an ester.
🧪 Note: This process is commonly used in food industries to convert vegetable oils into more solid forms like shortening or margarine.