Coal tar is primarily used for producing valuable chemicals and treating certain skin conditions.
Coal tar, a byproduct derived from the process of making coke and coal gas from coal, has a long history of diverse applications. Its composition includes hundreds of different compounds, making it a valuable source for various industrial and medicinal purposes.
Primary Applications of Coal Tar
Based on the provided information, the main uses of coal tar can be broadly categorized into two areas:
1. Production of Refined Chemicals and Coal-Tar Products
This is a significant industrial application. Coal tar undergoes further processing to extract or refine various chemicals.
- Derived Products: This process yields important coal-tar products.
- Creosote: Often used as a wood preservative.
- Coal-Tar Pitch: A binder used in applications like roofing, paving, and electrode manufacturing.
- Refined Chemicals: It is a source for numerous organic chemicals, which serve as building blocks for synthesizing dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial materials.
2. Treatment of Various Skin Conditions
Certain preparations containing coal tar have recognized medicinal properties and have been used for a long time in dermatology.
- Skin Treatments: Coal tar preparations are applied topically to help manage symptoms of common skin ailments.
- Eczema: Helps reduce itching and inflammation.
- Psoriasis: Can slow down the rapid growth of skin cells and reduce scaling.
- Dandruff: Assists in loosening and shedding dead skin cells on the scalp.
These topical treatments are available in various forms, such as shampoos, creams, ointments, and lotions.
Here's a summary of the main uses:
| Main Use | Examples / Applications |
|---|---|
| Industrial Processing | Production of refined chemicals, Creosote, Coal-Tar Pitch |
| Medicinal (Topical Treatment) | Treating Eczema, Psoriasis, Dandruff |
In essence, coal tar serves a dual role – as a fundamental material in chemical production and as a therapeutic agent for specific dermatological issues.
