The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Coal tar is a thick, black liquid with an unpleasant smell. It is obtained as a byproduct during the processing of coal to produce coke. It serves as a critical industrial raw material.- Statement 1 is Correct: Coal tar is not a single compound but a mixture of about 200 different carbon-based substances. These components are separated and used as starting materials for synthesizing various products in industries.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Coal tar is toxic and carcinogenic. It is not used to make food preservatives. Instead, it is used to manufacture synthetic dyes, drugs, explosives, perfumes, plastics, paints, photographic materials, and roofing materials. Common food preservatives (like sodium benzoate) are distinct chemical entities, though some precursors may historically share origins, coal tar itself is not categorized as a source for food preservatives in this context.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Coal tar is a fossil fuel derivative and is not used to make edible oils. Edible oils are extracted from plant sources (seeds, fruits) or animal fats.
Key Takeaway: Coal tar is a complex industrial mixture used for making non-edible products like dyes, drugs, and plastics; it has no application in the production of edible oils or food preservatives due to its toxicity.