Definition

1. Verb:
   • To combine or treat with hydrogen; to add hydrogen to the molecule of (an unsaturated organic compound): This is a chemical process where hydrogen is introduced into a substance, typically to change its properties, such as making a liquid fat more solid.

Usage

• The verb "hydrogenate" is used in scientific, industrial, and nutritional contexts to describe a specific chemical reaction.
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the substance being treated).
• Common collocations include: .

Examples

• Verb:
  • Food manufacturers often hydrogenate vegetable oils to increase their shelf life and stability.
  • The chemist explained how to hydrogenate the unsaturated hydrocarbon in the lab.
  • Partially hydrogenated oils are a source of trans fats.

Advanced Usage

• "Hydrogenated" (Adjective): Describes a substance that has undergone hydrogenation.
  • The product contains hydrogenated fat, which is less healthy than its natural counterpart.
• The process itself is called hydrogenation (noun).

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrogenation (n): The chemical process of adding hydrogen.
  • The hydrogenation of oils is a common industrial process.
• Hydrogenated (adj): The resulting state after hydrogenation.
• Dehydrogenate (v): The opposite process; to remove hydrogen.

Synonyms

• Hydrate (in specific chemical contexts): Although "hydrate" usually means to combine with water, in some older or specific usages it can relate to hydrogen. However, hydrogenate is the precise and preferred term for adding hydrogen.
• Saturate (in organic chemistry): To convert an unsaturated compound to a saturated one by adding hydrogen. "Hydrogenate" is the specific means to achieve saturation.

Notes

• "Hydrogenate" is a technical term primarily used in chemistry and food science. In everyday language, it is most commonly encountered in discussions about food ingredients (e.g., "hydrogenated oils").
• The term should not be confused with hydrate, which involves water (H₂O), not hydrogen gas (H₂).

Verb

1. combine or treat with or expose to hydrogen; add hydrogen to the molecule of (an unsaturated organic compound)