What type of chemical reaction is represented by the conversion of vegetable oils into solid fats using hydrogen gas and a nickel catalyst?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hydrogenation is the catalytic addition of hydrogen molecules across carbon-carbon double bonds in liquid unsaturated vegetable oils to convert them into solid or semi-solid saturated fats like vanaspati ghee, using catalysts such as nickel. Unlike saponification which creates soap, this process alters melting points.