Coal dissolution in high boiling process solvents

The liquefaction of a bituminous coal has been studied using distillate and non-distillable, coal-derived solvents. Different classes of solvent components can interact non-additively during reaction with coal to either promote or retard the process of coal dissolution. Above certain concentrations, polyfunctional compounds in heavy coal-derived liquids effect a measurable reduction in coal conversion and product selectivity by accentuating the degree of condensation reactions. Substantial removal of these compounds can be achieved by precipitation in a paraffinic solvent. Retrogressive reactions are reduced and positive synergistic interactions can be realized by the blending of heavy solvents with selected components, such as polycondensed aromatics, and with lower boiling, hydrogen-donor species.