Coal tar is a thick, black liquid produced during the carbonization of coal. It is a byproduct of the coking process, where coal is heated in the absence of air to create coke for steel production. Coal tar contains various organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be used in different industrial applications.
One of the primary uses of coal tar is in the production of pavement sealants and roofing materials. Additionally, it is utilized in the medical field for treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.