Consider the following substances: I. Ethanol II. Nitroglycerine III. Urea Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All the three
4. D. None

Answer: B

Explanation

Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into syngas (synthesis gas), primarily composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This syngas is a versatile feedstock for various chemical productions. Ethanol (I) can be produced from syngas through advanced fermentation technologies, where microorganisms convert syngas into ethanol. Urea (III), a key component in fertilizers, is also produced using syngas from coal gasification. For example, the Talcher Fertilizer Plant in Odisha is an integrated coal gasification-based urea plant. Nitroglycerine (II), however, is an explosive and a vasodilatory drug, synthesized through the nitration of glycerol. Its production does not involve coal gasification. Therefore, coal gasification technology can be used to produce Ethanol and Urea. The government’s push for cleaner coal technologies and domestic fertilizer production makes coal gasification a relevant topic for UPSC.