Why are Catalysts Important in Fatty Acid Reactions?
The use of catalysts in fatty acid reactions is crucial for improving reaction rates, yields, and selectivity. Catalysts lower the activation energy of the reaction, thereby increasing its rate without being consumed in the process. For example, in the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids, metal catalysts like nickel or palladium facilitate the addition of hydrogen atoms, converting the unsaturated bonds into saturated ones more efficiently.
