Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hydrogenate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚗️
Add to dictionary

hydrogenate

[ˈhaɪdrəʊdʒəneɪt ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction where hydrogen is used to break double bonds in fatty acids, transforming them into saturated fats.
  • This process is widely used in the food industry to create margarine and shortenings from vegetable oils.
  • In addition to food, hydrogenation plays a role in creating fuels and plastics by modifying hydrocarbons.

Health

  • Hydrogenated fats can increase the shelf life of products but may also raise health risks, such as heart disease, due to trans fats.
  • The health community recommends minimizing the intake of partially hydrogenated oils for better cardiovascular health.

Culinary

  • Many processed foods contain hydrogenated oils, as they improve texture, stability, and flavor.
  • Bakers often use hydrogenated fats to achieve a desirable consistency in pastries and baked goods.

Environmental Impact

  • The hydrogenation process can have environmental implications, as it often requires significant energy and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Finding alternative methods to create solid fats without hydrogenation is an ongoing area of research, aiming to reduce environmental effects.

Origin of 'hydrogenate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from combining 'hydrogen', which is the lightest element, and 'generate', meaning to create.
  • It originated in the early 20th century, relating to the chemistry of fats and oils.

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.