Hydrogenate: meaning, definitions and examples

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hydrogenate

 

[ ˈhaɪdrəʊdʒəneɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

Hydrogenate refers to the process of adding hydrogen to a compound, typically in the context of organic chemistry. This process is commonly used to convert unsaturated fats or oils into saturated fats through the addition of hydrogen atoms. Hydrogenation alters the chemical structure, improving stability, texture, and shelf life in food products. It is also an essential step in producing various petrochemicals and synthetic fuels. The process typically requires a catalyst and specific conditions of temperature and pressure.

Synonyms

replenish, saturate.

Examples of usage

  • The chemist decided to hydrogenate the vegetable oil.
  • During the production of margarine, manufacturers hydrogenate oils.
  • Scientists often hydrogenate compounds to study their properties.

Translations

Translations of the word "hydrogenate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hidrogenar

🇮🇳 हाइड्रोजनीकरण करना

🇩🇪 hydrieren

🇮🇩 hidrogenasi

🇺🇦 гідрування

🇵🇱 hydrogenacja

🇯🇵 水素添加する

🇫🇷 hydrogéner

🇪🇸 hidrogenar

🇹🇷 hidrojenleme

🇰🇷 수소화하다

🇸🇦 هيدروجنة

🇨🇿 hydrogenace

🇸🇰 hydrogenácia

🇨🇳 氢化

🇸🇮 hidrogenacija

🇮🇸 vetnisun

🇰🇿 сутегілендіру

🇬🇪 ჰიდროგენაცია

🇦🇿 hidrogenləşdirmək

🇲🇽 hidrogenar

Etymology

The term 'hydrogenate' is derived from the word 'hydrogen,' which comes from the French word 'hydrogène,' meaning 'water former.' This French term itself is composed of two elements: 'hydro-' from the Greek 'hudor,' meaning 'water,' and '-gène' from the Greek 'genes,' meaning 'creator' or 'former.' The process of hydrogenation began to be extensively studied in the late 19th century as chemists discovered ways to manipulate organic compounds. The first successful hydrogenation reaction was performed in 1897 by chemist Paul Sabatier, who developed methods to hydrogenate various organic substances under specific conditions. Over the years, hydrogenation has become a crucial process in food production, petrochemicals, and the pharmaceutical industry, with applications ranging from margarine production to the creation of high-performance fuels.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,805, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.