coaltarbased

Coaltarbased refers to materials or products derived from or containing coal tar. Coal tar is a black, viscous liquid by-product of the destructive distillation of coal. This process, often carried out in coke ovens during the production of coke for the steel industry, yields a complex mixture of organic compounds.

These compounds include a wide range of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and anthracene, as well as phenolic compounds and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Due to its rich chemical composition, coal tar has historically been a significant source of valuable chemicals.

Coaltarbased products have found applications in various industries. Historically, coal tar itself was used as a sealant and waterproofing agent. More refined fractions of coal tar have been used in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and as raw materials for the synthesis of plastics and other organic chemicals. For instance, naphthalene from coal tar is a precursor for phthalic anhydride, used in plasticizers and resins. Certain coal tar derivatives have been employed in medicinal preparations, particularly for skin conditions, though their use in this area is now often superseded by synthetic alternatives. The term "coaltarbased" therefore signifies a connection to this multifaceted industrial by-product.