Coal, Coke, and Synthetic Gas | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Coal: Different Types and Products Obtained from Destructive Distillation of Wood and Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of carbon, along with various other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. There are different types of coal based on their carbon content and properties. The main types of coal are:

• Peat: Peat is the lowest rank of coal and is formed from partially decomposed plant matter. It has a high moisture content and a low carbon content.
• Lignite: Lignite, also known as brown coal, is the next stage of coal formation. It has a higher carbon content than peat and is primarily used for electricity generation.
• Bituminous coal: Bituminous coal is a higher grade of coal with a higher carbon content than lignite. It is widely used for electricity generation and as a fuel in industrial processes.
• Anthracite: Anthracite is the highest rank of coal and has the highest carbon content. It is hard, lustrous, and burns with a clean flame. Anthracite is used mainly for heating purposes.

Destructive distillation is a process that involves heating coal or wood in the absence of air. This process breaks down the complex organic compounds in these materials into simpler compounds. The products obtained from the destructive distillation of wood and coal include:

Wood

• Charcoal: Charcoal is obtained by heating wood in the absence of air. It is mainly used as a fuel and for cooking purposes.
• Wood tar: Wood tar is a thick, dark liquid that is obtained during the destructive distillation of wood. It finds applications in the production of creosote, medicinal products, and as a wood preservative.
• Wood vinegar: Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is a liquid that is obtained from the destructive distillation of wood. It has various agricultural and industrial uses.

Coal

• Coal gas: Coal gas is produced by the destructive distillation of coal. It is a mixture of gases, including methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and various impurities. Coal gas was historically used for heating, lighting, and as a fuel for industrial processes.
• Coal tar: Coal tar is a thick, black liquid that is obtained from the destructive distillation of coal. It has numerous applications, including the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and as a binder in road construction.
• Ammonia liquor: Ammonia liquor, or ammoniacal liquor, is a byproduct of coal gas production. It contains ammonia and is used in the production of fertilizers and cleaning agents.

Coke: Classification and Uses

Coke is a solid carbonaceous material obtained from the destructive distillation of coal. It is produced by heating coal in the absence of air to remove volatile components. Coke is primarily composed of carbon and serves as a fuel and reducing agent in various industrial processes. It is classified into two main types:

• Metallurgical coke: Metallurgical coke is high-quality coke that is used in the production of iron and steel. It provides heat and acts as a reducing agent in the blast furnace during the extraction of iron from iron ore.
• Gas coke: Gas coke, also known as fuel coke, is a lower-quality coke produced from coal with a higher volatile content. It is mainly used as a fuel in industrial processes such as cement manufacturing and power generation.

Manufacture of Synthetic Gas and Uses

Synthetic gas, also known as syngas or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture primarily composed of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). It is produced through the gasification of carbon-containing materials, such as coal or biomass. The manufacture of synthetic gas involves the reaction of carbonaceous materials with steam or oxygen at high temperatures.
Uses of synthetic gas include:

• Fuel: Syngas can be used as a fuel in various applications, including power generation and heating. It can be burned directly or used as a feedstock for the production of other fuels, such as methanol or synthetic diesel.
• Chemical production: Syngas serves as a versatile feedstock for the production of various chemicals, including ammonia, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbons. These chemicals find applications in the production of fertilizers, plastics, and other industrial processes.
• Gasification: Syngas can be further processed through gasification to produce hydrogen gas or other valuable products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coal and its products play a significant role in various industries. The destructive distillation of wood and coal yields useful products such as charcoal, wood tar, coal gas, and coal tar. Coke, derived from coal, is essential in the production of iron and steel, while synthetic gas finds applications as a fuel and feedstock for chemical production.