Question

The metal used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of oils is:
A. Iron
B. Sodium
C. Nickel
D. Gold

Answer 1

Hint- In order to deal with this question first we will discuss hydrogenation; we will proceed further by knowing about the catalyst which is used during the hydrogenation of oils.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction, typically in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium or platinum, between molecular hydrogen and another compound or product. The process is commonly used for reducing or saturating organic compounds.
Catalysis is the mechanism of raising a chemical reaction rate by adding a product known as a catalyst which is not absorbed in the catalyzed reaction and can proceed to work repeatedly. Because of that, in most cases, only very small amounts of catalyst are needed to alter the reaction rate.
Chemical reactions typically proceed more rapidly in the presence of a catalyst, as the catalyst provides an alternate reaction pathway with lower activation energy than the non-catalyzed process. The catalyst normally reacts in catalyzed structures to form a temporary intermediate, which then regenerates the initial catalyst in a cyclic cycle.
$Ni$ as a catalyst binds both the ${H_2}$ and the unsaturated substrate and facilitates their union which is the mechanism of hydrogenation of oil while other given elements aren't able to do so.
$Ni$ is used for most reactions as the catalyst because it is cheaper to run the reaction with it, in the commercial world cost-effectiveness is the best and desired pathway.
Hence, the metal used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of oils is Nickel.
So, the correct answer is option C.

Note- Hydrogenation is essential in the fats and oils sector for two reasons. It transforms the liquid oils into semisolid or plastic fats for different uses, such as shortening and margarine, and improves the oil's oxidative stability. Nickel is used for alloying materials, coatings, batteries, and other applications such as kitchen wares, cell phones, medical devices, housing, homes, power storage, and jewellery. Nickel use is regulated by the manufacture of stainless steel ferronickel.