| Hydrogenation | 
|---|
| Conditions | 
| Catalyst | Ni, Pd, Pt | 
|  | 
This article is about addition of neutral H
2. For addition of H
+, see 
protonation.
Catalysed hydrogenation| Process type | Chemical | 
|---|
| Industrial sector(s) | Food industry, petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, agricultural industry | 
|---|
| Main technologies or sub-processes | Various transition metal catalysts, high-pressure technology | 
|---|
| Feedstock | Unsaturated substrates and hydrogen or hydrogen donors | 
|---|
| Product(s) | Saturated hydrocarbons and derivatives | 
|---|
| Inventor | Paul Sabatier | 
|---|
| Year of invention | 1897 | 
|---|
Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium or platinum. The process is commonly employed to reduce or saturate organic compounds. Hydrogenation typically constitutes the addition of pairs of hydrogen atoms to a molecule, often an alkene. Catalysts are required for the reaction to be usable; non-catalytic hydrogenation takes place only at very high temperatures. Hydrogenation reduces double and triple bonds in hydrocarbons.