The various compounds present in coal tar are separated by the process of :

Options

A. simple distillation
B. destructive distillation
C. fractional distillation
D. fractional crystallisation

Answer

To answer the question about how the various compounds present in coal tar are separated, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Coal Tar Composition**:
- Coal tar is a complex mixture of various organic compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, and heterocyclic compounds.

2. **Separation Techniques Overview**:
- There are several methods to separate compounds from a mixture, including simple distillation, fractional distillation, and fractional crystallization.

3. **Simple Distillation**:
- Simple distillation is used to separate miscible liquids that have a significant difference in boiling points (at least 20°C). However, this method is not suitable for coal tar due to the complexity of its components.

4. **Destructive Distillation**:
- Destructive distillation involves heating a solid in the absence of air to decompose it. While this process is related to coal tar production, it is not the method used for separating the compounds within coal tar.

5. **Fractional Distillation**:
- Fractional distillation is a more appropriate method for separating the components of coal tar. It is used when the boiling points of the components are closer together (less than 25°C difference). This technique allows for the separation of various fractions based on their boiling points.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The various compounds present in coal tar are separated by the process of **fractional distillation**.

### Final Answer:
The various compounds present in coal tar are separated by the process of **fractional distillation**.

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