The liquefaction of low-rank coal with supercritical water has been st
udied at 400-degrees-C and 25.3 MPa using a semi-batch microreactor. L
iquid yield up to 41wt% is attained in less than 7 min. Subsequent gas
ification of residue takes place. 2D-n.m.r. spectral analysis of liqui
ds products in supercritical and the results of mass balance suggests
that both hydrolysis and condensation reactions contribute to oxygen r
emoval during supercritical water liquefaction of coal.