Coal is a fuel whose full potential has not yet been exploited in spite of the fact that liquid hydrocarbons have been produced from coal for nearly two centuries. Currently, processes of conversion to liquid fuels are being developed in several countries that will depend on coal as a major source of energy in the near future. Analyses of products of coal liquefaction is needed to assess process efficacy, to understand conversion mechanisms with the purpose of optimizing liquid yields, and to control product quality