Preparation of Biodegradable Synthetic Detergents from Low-Temperature Lignite Tar

" \ Search for biodegradable synthetic detergents f r o m low-temperature ta r is par t of a broad research program on low-temperature coal t a r by the Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the Interior. Fundamental objectives of this research on t a r s resulting f rom the low-temperature carbonization of coal a r e to (1) character ize these t a r s in some detail ; ( 2 ) investigate means of upgrading them economically into marketable products; and ( 3 ) obtain information that can increase production of coal for u s e in carbonization through establishment of a coal-chemicals industry based on the utilization of low-temperature ta rs . \ 1