What product is commonly formed from the hydrogenation of alkenes?

The hydrogenation of alkenes typically yields alkanes as the primary product. This process involves the addition of hydrogen (H2) across the carbon-carbon double bond of the alkene, effectively saturating the molecule and transforming it into an alkane, which contains only single bonds between carbon atoms.

During hydrogenation, a catalyst like platinum, palladium, or nickel is usually employed to facilitate the reaction. As the hydrogen atoms attach to the carbon atoms of the alkene, the double bond is broken, leading to the formation of a more stable compound. The resultant alkane has the same number of carbon atoms as the original alkene but with an increased number of hydrogen atoms, which contributes to its saturated nature.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary product formed from the hydrogenation of alkenes. Alkenes themselves would not be formed from hydrogenation, as the process reduces them. Aldehydes and alcohols are typically produced through different reactions involving carbonyl compounds or further functionalization, not straight hydrogenation of alkenes. Thus, the transformation of alkenes via hydrogenation specifically results in the formation of alkanes.