What happens when coal is heated strongly in the absence of air? Name the process and two products obtained in the process.

When coal is heated strongly in the absence of air,  a large number of organic and some inorganic compounds are formed. This process is called destructive distillation of coal.

Two products of this process are coal tar and coal gas.

• Coal tar is a thick black liquid that is a by-product of the destructive distillation of coal. It contains benzene, naphthalene, phenols, aniline, and many other organic chemicals. Coal tar is used for medical and industrial purposes.

• Coal gas is a gaseous mixture—mainly of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.  

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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