Repsol YPF

Products derived from hydrocarbons such as coal and oil have come to occupy an essential place in modern society and, as is immediately obvious, not only for its energy-giving properties. The number of uses that the chemical industry has found for various oil derivatives, not only in plastics and paints, but also in medicines, is a clear example of this. 

Furthermore, coal tar, is also characterised by its usefulness in a wide variety of situations. It is a residuum from treating coal to obtain coke, this being a basic component in iron manufacturing. It has a semi-viscous texture and in actual fact there is a curious experiment which was started in 1927 which involves allowing it to drip through a funnel, with the none too rapid frequency of one drop every nine years. Those with a great deal of patience can watch it live. 

Its most visible use can be seen in road construction, but it is also used as a waterproofing material for roofs and walls and for refrigerating chambers, and as a wood preservative. Since it is inflammable, it is also used as heating fuel. It is also used to produce certain types of carbon fibre, a product used to make skis and golf clubs, for example. 

Due to its dielectric, in other words, non-conducting properties, coal tar can also be used in the manufacturing of electrodes. These are fundamental components of batteries and electric circuits, present in any electrical appliance in our home. 

However, if there is a common use of coal tar, or more specifically of the alcohol extracted from it, it is in the form of shampoos, bath gels, hair lotions, soaps and skin creams. Common annoying complaints such as dandruff and psoriasis (reddening of the skin since the outer layers flake) can be treated effectively using coal tar derivatives. 

Finally, by distilling coal tar, other chemical compounds can be obtained, such as benzene for example. This is a substance that is commonly used in industry, which is also extracted from oil and is used to produce plastics, nylon, lubricants, pesticides, detergents...etc.

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