Alkali treatment of coal

TLDR: Alkali fusion was examined for three Japanese coals without any solvents (320-440C) and the alkali-treated coals were extracted with solvENTS (benzene, methanol and pyridine) as discussed by the authors.

Abstract: Alkali fusion was examined for 3 Japanese coals without any solvents (320-440C) and the alkali-treated coals were extracted with solvents (benzene, methanol and pyridine). Extract yields, especially the yield of pyridine extract, were greatly affected by the reaction temperature and time, and the best yield (about 85%) was achieved under mild conditions (320-350 C for 1h). The characteristics and the decomposition process of this procedure are discussed in comparison with other methods.