What is hydrogenation? What is its industrial application?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution

**Step 1: Define Hydrogenation**
Hydrogenation is a chemical process where unsaturated hydrocarbons (which contain double or triple bonds) are converted into saturated hydrocarbons by the addition of hydrogen. This process typically involves the use of a catalyst, such as nickel, to facilitate the reaction.

**Step 2: Explain the Mechanism of Hydrogenation**
During hydrogenation, the double bonds in unsaturated hydrocarbons are broken, and hydrogen atoms are added to the carbon atoms. For example, ethene (C2H4), which has a double bond, can be converted to ethane (C2H6) through hydrogenation. The presence of a catalyst, like nickel, is essential for this reaction to occur efficiently.

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