Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: gsport on 21/12/2007 11:46:15

Title: Hydrogenating veg oils at home
Post by: gsport on 21/12/2007 11:46:15

I know that hydrogenated vegetable oils aren't the healthiest things around, but I have a special case.

I use a product called "bottom butter" on my infant's bum when changing her nappy, and this has entirely prevented nappy rash, it is JUST; olive oil, hydrogenated olive oil, camomile oil and vanila... However, my supply of this has now dried up, and I am thinking of trying to make my own.

Most of the ingredients are easy enough to source, but I really need the hydrogenated olive oil. So, is there a reasonably simple way to make this myself? Surely there is some chamical "trick" I can use to hydrogenate the oil myself on the stove (in small quantities being careful not to singe my eyebrows)...

Many thanks if anyone can help.

George

Title: Hydrogenating veg oils at home
Post by: Bored chemist on 21/12/2007 15:09:52

Hydrogenation of oils for this sort of thing is iirc a high temperature process with lots of hydrogen and a catalyst. The same catalyst will cause the hydrogen to catch fire on exposure to air.
There are, I believe , vegetarian substitutes for lard and suet on the market. These will probably be hydrogenated oils of some sort. More likely corn oil than olive, but it hardly matters once you hydrogenate them.
Go easy on the camomile and vanilla, they can be rather irritant and that's the last thing you want.

Title: Hydrogenating veg oils at home
Post by: gsport on 21/12/2007 22:26:39

Thanks, I was hoping for a cunning chemical work-around but I suppose there isnt one...