Processes of producing cresols from a phenols containing feed are described. The processes involve a combination of dealkylation and transalkylation processes. The dealkylation process converts the heavy alkylphenols in an alkylphenols stream to phenol and olefins. The olefins produced in the dealkylation process are separated out. The methylphenols, which are not converted in the dealkylation process, and phenol react in the transalkylation process to generate cresols.

Processes of producing cresols from a phenols containing feed are described. The processes involve a combination of dealkylation and transalkylation processes. The dealkylation process converts the heavy alkylphenols in an alkylphenols stream to phenol and olefins. The olefins produced in the dealkylation process are separated out. The methylphenols, which are not converted in the dealkylation process, and phenol react in the transalkylation process to generate cresols.

A process for removing contaminants from coal-derived phenols is described. The process combines an extraction process with at least two adsorption zones containing adsorbents. Liquid-liquid and acid base extraction processes can be used. The adsorbents can be clays and/or zeolites. The process can be used to reduce organonitrogen compounds and organosulfur compounds to levels below 10 ppmw and to generate a colorless product.

A process for removing contaminants from coal-derived phenols is described. The process combines an extraction process with at least two adsorption zones containing adsorbents. Liquid-liquid and acid base extraction processes can be used. The adsorbents can be clays and/or zeolites. The process can be used to reduce organonitrogen compounds and organosulfur compounds to levels below 10 ppmw and to generate a colorless product.