Reaction of bituminous coal with inorganic solvents Available to Purchase

Anhydrous ammonia, methanol, and other protonic reagents have been utilized for the chemical comminution of coal. We have found that Oklahoma bituminous coal is readily comminuted by trifluoroacetic acid, difluorophosphoric acid, and the mixture acetic acid−acid anhydride−sulfuric acid. Approximately 5% of the original coal dissolves during the TFA treatment with a much greater loss of usable fuel occurring with the acetic acid mixture. TFA reduces the pyritic as well as the organic sulfur by 50% and the ash by 50%. The acetic acid treatment leaves a solid product which is high in ash and sulfur. Microgrphs after treatment with TFA dramatically show the layered structure of the coal.