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Minerals, Metals, and Other Materials

Natural Substances

What are some uses for coal other than as an energy resource?

In the past, many of the aromatic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene were made from coal. These compounds are now chiefly by-products of petroleum. Naphthalene and phenanthrene are still obtained from coal tar. Coal tar, a by-product of coal, is used in roofing.