Abstract: A process for removing solids from coal tar for the preparation of a coal tar pitch containing liquid comprising (1) centrifuging the coal tar at a suitable viscosity to separate a large particle size solids fraction from a first liquid fraction containing pitch and small particle size solids, and (2) filtering the large particle size fraction while maintaining the solids fraction at a suitable viscosity to thereby produce a second pitch containing liquid fraction which is substantially free of solids, and a densified readily handleable large particle size solid material. The liquid fractions are useful for making electrodes, needle coke or carbon fibers whereas the densified solid material is readily utilized.

Abstract: A process for selective non-destructive catalytic hydrogenation of alkylstyrene such as .alpha.-methylstyrene in a mixed .alpha.-methylstyrene and cumene feed stream wherein the hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of a copper chromite catalyst. Preferably the hydrogenation is carried out at a pressure of between about 5 psia and about 300 psia. Use of this catalyst allows hydrogen streams containing up to about 30 per cent by volume carbon monoxide to be utilized.

Abstract: Solvent naphtha is hydrogenated over an alumina-supported cobalt molybdate or nickel molybdate catalyst to produce tar-acid products.