Question

Which of the following are produced from coal tar?
A. Synthetic dyes
B. Drugs
C. Perfumes
D. All the three

Answer 1

To solve this question, first we need to understand the concept of coal tar. We know that coal tar is a thick dark liquid which is a by-product of the production of coke and coal gas from coal. It can be both used in medical and industrial fields.

Complete step by step answer: As we know that, coal tar is a commonly known carcinogen which is derived from burning coal. It is a complex mixture that consists of hundreds of compounds, many of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The coal tar obtained is a black, thick, viscid liquid that is formed when the distillation of coal occurs which further on distillation yields compounds like drugs, and other synthetic compounds, and that yields a final residuum coal-tar pitch. Medicinally we can use coal tar as a topical medication which can be applied to the skin to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It can also be used when it combines with ultraviolet light.
Therefore, we can say that coal tar is used as starting material in the manufacturing process of various substances that we use in everyday life and in industry, like synthetic dyes, drugs, explosives, perfumes, plastics, paints etc.
Therefore, the option (D) is correct.

Note: We have to remember that in the natural form coal tar is a thick viscous liquid that has a characteristic smell. It is mostly obtained from a solution form and then it is mixed with other ingredients, like salicylic acid and sulfur. This solution is further used in making creams, lotions, shampoos, and ointments.