Abstract: An improved coal liquefaction process is disclosed wherein subdivided coal is substantially dissolved in a petroleum-derived solvent in the presence of added hydrogen in a non-catalytic dissolving stage at a temperature in the range 400.degree. to 480.degree. C., thereby forming a mixture of dissolved coal, solvent and insoluble solids. The effluent mixture of solvent, dissolved coal and insoluble solids from the dissolver is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst under hydrocracking conditions at a reduced temperature below 425.degree. C., resulting in a product having a normally liquid portion which may be used directly as a low-sulfur, low-nitrogen fuel oil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-stage process for the production of liquid hydrocarbons from coal. More particularly, disclosed is a two-stage coal liquefaction process wherein subdivided coal is substantially dissolved in a solvent in a first non-catalytic dissolving stage at the temperature in the range 750.degree. to 900.degree. F. In a second stage, the mixture of solvent, dissolved coal and insoluble solids is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst at a critical temperature below 800.degree. F. The normally liquid portion of the hydrocracker effluent product has a surprisingly low sulfur content of less than 0.1 weight percent, a low nitrogen content of less than 0.5 weight percent, and a high API gravity of at least -3.