Which one of the following is obtained from Coal Tar?

(A) Petrol

(B) Coke

(C) Air

(D) Naphthalene balls​

Coal tar is an important raw material used in the production of synthetic dyes, pharmaceuticals, explosives, fragrances, plastics, paints, photographic materials, roofing products, and more. One of its key derivatives is naphthalene, which is commonly used in the manufacture of mothballs to repel moths and insects.

Properties of Naphthalene

• Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₈
• Type: Simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
• Appearance: White crystalline solid with a distinct odour detectable at concentrations as low as 0.08 ppm (parts per million).
• Structure: Consists of two fused benzene rings, making it an aromatic hydrocarbon.
• Uses: Best known as the primary ingredient in mothballs.

Sources and Production

• The major source of naphthalene is coal tar, which typically contains about 10% naphthalene by weight.
• Industrial distillation of coal tar yields an oil with nearly 50% naphthalene along with several other aromatic compounds.
• From the 1960s to the 1990s, petroleum refining also produced significant amounts of naphthalene from heavy petroleum fractions, though today only a small portion of naphthalene is petroleum-derived.

Correct Answer: Option D