Hydrogenates

Hydrogenates are compounds formed by hydrogenation, the chemical process in which molecular hydrogen (H2) adds to unsaturated substrates. Under catalytic conditions, hydrogen atoms add across carbon–carbon multiple bonds, yielding more saturated products. The term can refer to the products of hydrogenation, or, less commonly, to species that undergo hydrogenation in a reaction.

Hydrogenation applies to alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic rings, reducing them to alkanes and cycloalkanes. Carbonyl groups can be hydrogenated to alcohols, and under more forcing conditions to alkanes. The reaction typically proceeds via a surface-adsorbed metal catalyst, such as nickel, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, or rhodium, under elevated hydrogen pressure and moderate to high temperature. Hydrogenation can be complete or selective, yielding partially hydrogenated products.

Industrially, hydrogenation is used to convert vegetable oils into fats, increasing saturation and changing texture and melting behavior. Partial hydrogenation can produce trans fats, which have been associated with health concerns. In organic synthesis, hydrogenation is a common method to reduce double or triple bonds, and homogeneous catalysts can enable enantioselective hydrogenation for asymmetric synthesis.

Overall, hydrogenates encompass a broad class of compounds and products characterized by the incorporation of hydrogen through hydrogenation, reflecting both fundamental reactions and practical applications in chemistry and industry.