Question

Which type of reaction is hydrogenation?

(a) Exothermic

(b) Endothermic

(c) Neutral

(d) None of the mentioned

The question was posed to me in an online quiz.

This interesting question is from Hydrogenation topic in division Hydrogenation of Unit Processes

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) Exothermic

Hydrogenation is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat. In this process, hydrogen is added to a compound (usually an unsaturated organic compound like an alkene or an alkynes) in the presence of a catalyst, typically producing a saturated compound. The process of hydrogenation is commonly used in industries such as the food industry to convert unsaturated fats into saturated fats, for example, turning liquid vegetable oils into solid fats.

This reaction releases energy, which is characteristic of exothermic reactions.