In the margarine industry, alkenes are often hydrogenated to convert unsaturated oils into solid fats that have a greater proportion of saturated molecules - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 24
In the margarine industry, alkenes are often hydrogenated to convert unsaturated oils into solid fats that have a greater proportion of saturated molecules.
(a) Usi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In the margarine industry, alkenes are often hydrogenated to convert unsaturated oils into solid fats that have a greater proportion of saturated molecules - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using ethene as an example, write an equation for this reaction and state the type of reaction this represents.
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Answer
The hydrogenation of ethene can be represented by the following equation:
C2H4(g)+H2(g)→C2H6(g)
This reaction is an addition reaction, as the hydrogen is added across the double bond of ethene, converting it into ethane.
Step 2
Describe a test that could be used to confirm that all the ethene has been converted.
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Answer
A test to confirm that all the ethene has been converted is to use bromine water. The test involves:
Adding a few drops of bromine water to the sample.
If ethene is present, the bromine water will decolourise, turning from brown to colourless.
This indicates that the reaction has occurred, confirming the absence of ethene.