The purpose of this investigation was to determine what new organic compounds or high concentration of a particular organic species can be formed by exposure of coal derivatives to ultrasonic energy. Tetralin, 1‐methylnaphthalene, and pyridine were used as model compounds. Gaseous and solid reaction products resulting from the ultrasonic irradiation of the above coal derivatives were determined, using mass spectrometry. Products from the irradiation of tetralin were studied as a function of time, atmosphere, and sample size. The sonolysis of tetralin producedC2H2, HCN,CH4, H2, CO, andCO2, depending upon the experimental conditions. The cleavage of organic liquids by ultrasonic cavitation in the absence of water, recently reported by Weissler, Pecht, and Anbar, was also observed in this study.