Question

Carbonization of wood produces
a. Charcoal
b. Wood gas
c. Wood oil
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Carbonization is the process of converting organic materials such as plants and animals’ remains or their dead tissues into carbon by a process of destructive distillation. Carbonization is a pyrolytic reaction where during this process reactions occur concurrently.

Complete answer:
When a biomaterial is exposed to sudden searing heat, it can be quickly carbonized into solid carbon. Carbonization is the exothermic reaction, where it releases the energy outside.

Carbonization of wood
- Carbonization of wood is an industrial process in which wood is heated to higher temperatures such as more than 280 degrees centigrade, during this process a high amount of heat or energy is released to the outside, hence carbonization is said to be Exothermic.
- In this process, wood is heated where it is broken down into small particles, continuously until everything is heated and a carbon residue called charcoal remains.
- Even though the further heat also gives, the process remains continuous and the temperature reaches 400-degree centigrade, however, charcoal is still present in an appreciable amount as tarry residue, with a mix of ash and wood residue.
- During the process of industrial carbonation, some gases are emitted to the environment, such as carbon monoxide which is harmful when breathed, so precautions should be taken to reduce the risk and pollution to the environment.
- During this process, so many byproducts are released such as tars and smoke, and it is released into the environment, where it acts as slow poisons and may cause respiratory diseases in the people.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Carbonization is not only used for industrial purposes, but it is also used to produce biodiesel from ethanol and fatty acids using a simple catalyst, and in the preparation of biodiesel catalysts used are sugars such as glucose and sucrose.