Q. 7.51 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

When linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, reacts with hydrogen, it forms a saturated fatty acid. Is linoleic acid oxidized or reduced in the hydrogenation reaction? 

 ${\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2 + 2{\mathrm{H}}_2 \to {\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{36}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ 

Linoleic acid

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In the hydrogenation reaction the linoleic acid is getting reduced.

Step 1: Given Information

We are given the hydrogenation reaction in which linoleic acid is present and we have to find out that in this reaction linoleic will oxidized or reduced.

Step 2: Explanation

In the hydrogenation reaction which is,

${\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2 + 2{\mathrm{H}}_2 \to {\mathrm{C}}_{18}{\mathrm{H}}_{36}{\mathrm{O}}_2$

number of molecules of carbon and oxygen are same but molecules of hydrogen are changed as $4$ molecules are added in it and the reaction in which the number of hydrogen atoms increases on the product side is termed as reduced reaction.

Hence, linoleic acid is reduced in the hydrogenation reaction.