Today ____ is the mojor source of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Options

A. Distillation of coal tar
B. Destructive distillation of coal
C. Petroleum refining
D. both (2) and (3)

Answer

3

Explanation

Steel production at one time required large amounts of coke. This was prepared by heating bituminous coal to high temperature is the absence of air.This process also favors the production of coal [its main components are `H_(2)(-50%)` and methane `(-30%)`] and coal tar. Because of the enormous amount of coal converted to coke, coal tar was produced in large amounts. It served as a source of aromatic compounds. (distillation of coal tar produces a variety of aromatic compounds.) Today petroleum refining is the major source of aromatic hydrocarbons.