"A Wiley-Interscience publication." Includes bibliographical references and index.

BEHIND THE TRANSITION TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS: For want of a nail -- Energy in the U.S. The current situation -- Energy in the U.S. projected future demand supply relationships -- THE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES: The analysis of alternative fuels -- Comparative analysis of fuel options -- THE DEVELOPMENT OF SYNTHETIC FUELS: Historical development of coal conversion -- Properties of coal -- Principles of coal conversion -- Thermodynamics of coal conversion -- LOW BTU GAS FROM COAL: Production systems -- Use characteristics of low btu gas -- MEDIUM BTU GAS FROM COAL: Production systems for medium btu gas -- Use characteristics of medium btu gas -- HIGH BTU GAS FROM COAL: Process technologies -- Fuel use characteristics -- HEAVY LIQUIDS FROM COAL: Processes for coal liquefaction -- Prospects for commercialization -- LIGHT LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS FROM COAL: Light oil -- Light liquids by hydrogenation methods -- Chemicals from coal -- ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COAL CONVERSION: Economic issues associated with employing coal conversion -- The environmental costs of synthetic fuels.