Question
GSHardPrelims 2025Science & Technology

Consider the following substances:

I. Ethanol 

II. Nitroglycerine 

III. Urea

Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them?

Explanation

Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor). Syngas acts as a fundamental building block for the chemical industry.

I is correct: Syngas can be converted into Ethanol through various chemical pathways, including catalytic synthesis or fermentation.

II is incorrect: Nitroglycerine is produced through the nitration of glycerol. Glycerol is typically obtained from natural fats/oils or as a byproduct of biodiesel production, not from coal gasification.

III is correct: Coal gasification is a major source of hydrogen for producing Ammonia. This ammonia is then reacted with carbon dioxide (also a product of gasification) to produce Urea.

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