Question

In the manufacture of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils, which among the following gas is used?
1. Nitrogen
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Hydrogen
4. Neon

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Hydrogen

The correct answer is Hydrogen.

• In the manufacture of Vanaspati ghee from vegetable oils, Hydrogen (H₂) gas is used.
• Bypassing hydrogen gas, Vegetable Oil's unsaturated fatty acids are converted into saturated fatty acids to form vanaspati ghee.
• Hydrogenation of vegetable oil is an Addition reaction.
• Hydrogenation is a process that uses hydrogen gas to change a liquid vegetable oil into a hard spread/margarine.
  • This process stabilizes the oil and prevents spoilage from oxidation.
  • Nickel is the preferred catalyst for the hydrogenation of fats and oils to speed up the reaction.
  • The hydrogenation process increases the melting point of the fat, which changes liquid oil into solid shortening.
• Vanaspati is a fully or partially hydrogenated vegetable cooking oil, often used as a cheaper substitute for ghee and butter.