The fractional distillation coal and petroleum and coal tar and asphalt is

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Let’s clarify the key components and products obtained through the fractional distillation of coal and petroleum, and understand where coal tar and asphalt fit into the picture. These are distinct processes used for separating complex mixtures based on differences in boiling points, and both coal and petroleum yield valuable industrial products through these methods.

Fractional Distillation of Petroleum

Petroleum, or crude oil, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. When it's heated and passed through a fractionating column, it's separated into components (fractions) based on their boiling points.

Major Fractions Obtained:

• Petroleum gas (LPG): Boiling below 20°C; used as cooking gas.
• Gasoline (Petrol): ~40–120°C; used as motor fuel.
• Kerosene: ~150–250°C; used for lighting, cooking, and jet fuel.
• Diesel: ~250–350°C; used in vehicles and generators.
• Lubricating oil: ~300–370°C; used in engines and machinery.
• Fuel oil: Heavy fraction; used in ships and industries.
• Residue: Used to make bitumen (asphalt), waxes, and more.

Asphalt (Bitumen):

This is the black, sticky residue left after all the lighter fractions have been distilled. It's commonly used for road surfacing and waterproofing roofs.

Destructive (Fractional) Distillation of Coal

Coal does not undergo fractional distillation like petroleum, but rather destructive distillation, which means heating coal in the absence of air. This process breaks coal into simpler substances.

Main Products of Destructive Distillation of Coal:

• Coke: Solid residue used in steel making.
• Coal Gas: A mixture of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide; used as fuel.
• Coal Tar: A thick, black liquid with hundreds of organic compounds.
• Ammoniacal liquor: Used to make fertilizers.

Coal Tar:

Coal tar is a byproduct rich in aromatic compounds like naphthalene, phenols, benzene, etc. It's used to produce:

• Dyes
• Disinfectants
• Explosives

Summary Table

Conclusion: While petroleum yields asphalt (bitumen) as a residue, coal yields coal tar via destructive distillation. Both are valuable byproducts used widely in construction, industry, and chemicals.