carbonization

chemical reaction

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June 22, 2026

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Carbonization is a chemical process that involves heating materials like wood or coal to high temperatures in the absence of air. This process, also known as destructive distillation, drives off volatile matter, leaving behind a residue primarily composed of carbon.12

When applied to wood, carbonization yields charcoal, which can be used as fuel or in various industrial applications. The destructive distillation of wood also produces by-products such as tar, pitch, acetic acid, methanol, and acetone.3

In the context of coal, high-temperature carbonization (900–1,200 °C) is used to produce coke, a crucial material for metallurgical processes like those in blast furnaces. The gases released during coal carbonization are also collected and processed to yield valuable by-products like ammonia, benzol, methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide.14

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chemical industry
Benzene
…it was obtained from the carbonization (heating) of coal, which produces coke, combustible gas, and a number of by-products, including benzene. Carbonization of coal to produce illuminating gas dates back in England to the very early years of the 19th century. The process is still employed in some countries, but…
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…it was obtained from the carbonization (heating) of coal, which produces coke, combustible gas, and a number of by-products, including benzene. Carbonization of coal to produce illuminating gas dates back in England to the very early years of the 19th century. The process is still employed in some countries, but…
Read More

coal utilization
Carbonization (coke making)
Coke is the solid carbonaceous residue that remains after certain types of coal are heated to a high temperature out of contact with air. The process of heating coal in this manner is referred to as carbonization or coke making. High-temperature carbonization,…
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Coke is the solid carbonaceous residue that remains after certain types of coal are heated to a high temperature out of contact with air. The process of heating coal in this manner is referred to as carbonization or coke making. High-temperature carbonization,…
Read More