Sub-Product

Coal Tars are by-products of the carbonization of coal to produce coke and/or natural gas. Physically, they are usually viscous liquids or semi-solids that are black or dark brown with a naphthalene-like odor. The coal tars are complex combinations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, heterocyclic oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds.

A black, viscous liquid (or semi-solid), naphthalene-like odor, sharp burning taste; obtained by the destructive distillation of bituminous coal, as in coke ovens; 1 tonne of coal yields 8.8 gallons of coal tar. Combustible. Specific gravity 1.18–1.23 (66/60 EF). Soluble in ether, benzene, carbon disulfide, chloroform; partially soluble in alcohol, acetone and methanol; only slightly soluble in water.

Source: 24^th Jun 2024, Toxicological Profile for Creosote, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).