Tar

Tar, thick, dark, viscous liquid obtained through distillation of organic matter, primarily coal, petroleum products, and wood. Coal tar, obtained at high temperatures and condensed from vapors given off during the manufacture of coke from bituminous (soft) coal, is used for roofing and waterproofing materials, synthetic drugs, disinfectants, dyes, perfumes, and plastics. Coal gassifier tar, a source of organic chemicals, is a byproduct of the process that converts coal into a natural gas substitute. Wood tar is made from the condensed vapors created during the wood-burning process; pine tar, the major derivative, is used to manufacture soap, disinfectants, and turpentine. Other types of coal- or petroleum-derived tar are used to seal road surfaces and produce asphalt paving material.

See also: Pitch.