Coal tar the European Chemicals Agency. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Coal tar is a complex mixture of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds. It is a keratolytic agent, which reduces the growth rate of skin cells and softens the skin's keratin. Coal tar is produced through thermal destruction (pyrolysis) of coal. Its composition varies with the process and type of coal used – lignite, bituminous or anthracite. Coal tar contains approximately 10,000 chemicals, of which only about 50% have been identified. Components include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (4-rings: chrysene, fluoranthene, pyrene, triphenylene, naphthacene, benzanthracene, 5-rings: picene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene,
Coal assay in the crucible. The cross sectional profile of this coke button compared to a set of standardised profiles determines the Free Swelling Index. Several international standards classify coals by their rank, where increasing rank corresponds to coal with a higher carbon content. The rank of coal is correlated with its geologic history, as described in Hilt's law. In the ASTM system, any coal with more than 69% fixed carbon is classified by its carbon and volatiles content. Coal with less than 69% fixed carbon is classified by its heating value. Volatiles and carbon are on a dry mineral free base;