Why is coal subjected to destructive distillation and not simple distillation

When coal is heated without air, it does not burn but produces many by-products. This process of heating coal in the absence of air is called destructive distillation of coal.

The main by products are:

• coke

• coal tar

• amino acid liquor

• coal gas

The destructive distillation of coal can be carried out in the laboratory

Regards

Arun (askIITians forum expert)