What is the use of coal tar

The composition of coal tar is actually quite complex. Although it has many uses, it is carcinogenic. In daily life, it is mainly used to make phthalic anhydride, which provides materials for the production of engineering plastics or dyes. However, if it acts on the skin, it can easily cause dermatitis, acne, folliculitis, phototoxic dermatitis and other hazards.

1. Basic Introduction

Coal tar is a black or brown viscous liquid, also known as coal tar. The odor is similar to naphthalene or aromatic hydrocarbons. It is a by-product of coal distillation to produce coke and coal gas. The composition is complex, mainly a mixture of phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds. It is carcinogenic and belongs to IARC Group I carcinogen. It is mainly used to fractionate various phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, etc., and can be used to manufacture other dyes or drugs, etc. Currently, the industries involving coal tar also include direct combustion as fuel.

2. Basic Uses

(1) Naphthalene is used to produce phthalic anhydride, which is used to produce resins, engineering plastics, and dyes. Used in paint and medicine, etc.

(2) Phenol and its homologues are used to produce synthetic fibers, engineering plastics, pesticides, medicines, fuel intermediates, explosives, etc.

(3) Anthraquinone fuels, synthetic kneading agents and paints.

(4) Phenanthrene is an isomer of anthracene. Its content is second only to naphthalene. It has many uses. However, due to its large output, it still needs to be further developed and utilized.

(5) Carbazole is an important raw material for dyes, plastics and pesticides.

(6) Asphalt is the residual liquid from tar distillation and is a mixture of various polycyclic polymer compounds. Used in making roof coatings, moisture-proof layers and road construction, producing asphalt coke and electric furnace electrodes, etc.

3. Related Hazards

It acts on the skin and causes dermatitis, acne, folliculitis, phototoxic dermatitis, toxic melanosis, warts and cancer. Can cause damage to the nasal septum.

Environmental hazards: Harmful to the environment and can cause air pollution.

Explosion hazard: This product is flammable and a carcinogen.

Dangerous characteristics: Its vapor can form an explosive mixture with air and is very likely to burn and explode when exposed to open flames or high heat. Reacts violently on contact with oxidants. If exposed to high heat, the pressure inside the container will increase, causing the container to crack and explode.