Which of the following processes takes place during the production of margarine from vegetable oils?
Answer Details
The process that takes place during the production of margarine from vegetable oils is hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is a chemical process that involves the addition of hydrogen gas to unsaturated fatty acids in vegetable oils, resulting in the conversion of the unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids. This process makes the vegetable oils more solid and stable, improving their texture and shelf life. The other options listed are not relevant to the production of margarine from vegetable oils. Esterification involves the formation of esters from carboxylic acids and alcohols, hydrolysis involves the breakdown of molecules into their constituent parts by the addition of water, and saponification involves the reaction of a fat or oil with a strong base to produce soap and glycerol.