Resumen de Quantitative Microscale Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oils
A new hydrogenation experiment for the introductory organic chemistry laboratory is described. It is a classic synthetic reaction applied to a consumer product. It provides an opportunity to discuss fats and fatty acids, their physical behavior, and their nutritional value. The experiment is relatively easy to set up and requires no special equipment. Calculations utilizing the ideal gas law allow the determination of the efficiency of the hydrogenation. With this experiment a link is made between the organic chemistry laboratory and the everyday life of the student in an attempt to show the relevance between organic chemistry and modern life.
