The manufacturing of Vanaspati Ghee from polyunsaturated vegetable oils involves which one of the following processes?

The manufacturing of Vanaspati Ghee from vegetable oils involves the process of Hydrogenation. Vegetable oils are typically polyunsaturated fats that are liquid at room temperature. During hydrogenation, hydrogen gas (H2) is bubbled through the oil at high temperatures in the presence of a catalyst, usually Nickel (Ni).

This chemical reaction converts the double bonds in the unsaturated fatty acid chains into single bonds by adding hydrogen atoms, turning the liquid oil into a semi-solid or solid fat (saturated fat). This process increases the melting point and improves the shelf life and stability of the product. While hydrogenation is a specific type of chemical reduction, the industrial process for ghee manufacturing is specifically termed hydrogenation. In contrast, oxidation leads to rancidity, and refining is a purification step to remove impurities and odors.