Abstract: A carbon powder is disclosed with 40 to 75% by weight QI or more than 90% by weight TI, an optical anisotropy of less than 50% by volume, a start of softening between 200.degree. and 300.degree. C., and an oxygen content of more than 2% by weight, and which can be used for without binding agent the production of shaped carbon bodies. The carbon powder is produced by means of distillation from bituminous product at a maximum of 5 mbars and a final temperature of at least 400.degree. C., grinding of the distillation residue to a particle size of less than 30 .mu.m, and oxidation of the powder into the particle core.

Abstract: An isotropic coal tar pitch having a low content of carcinogenic compounds is prepared by distilling a coal tar pitch in an evaporator having a specific evaporator surface of from 330 to 10,000 m.sup.2 /m.sup.3, at a temperature in the range of from 300.degree. to 380.degree. C., under a pressure not exceeding 1 mbar, whereby the average stay period is from 2 to 10 minutes. The isotropic pitch thus obtained contains less that 50 ppm of benzo[a]pyrene and is suitable, optionally after adding an oil, resin or other modifying agents having a low benzo[a]pyrene content, for use as binding and impregnating agent and also as protecting agent in construction materials or as varnish (painting agent).