4. Production and applications

4.1 Benzol

This is the lightest fraction (light oil) obtained from the fractionation column of the tar distillation unit. This fraction represents 1 to 2% of crude tar. The main constituents are :

• benzene ;

• toluene ;

• xylenes (three isomers).

Specific refining units process benzols from coking plants, steam crackers and tar distillers to extract pure benzene, pure toluene and xylenes.

• Benzene: this is a basic molecule for the chemical industry; more than 80% of benzene production is transformed into :

  • ethylbenzene by alkylation with ethylene...