In the leading industrial nations, the demand for chemical feedstocks is mainly covered by oil and thus by a feedstock that will no longer be sufficiently available in a few decades. Coal is an alternative source for chemical feedstocks, the reserves being sufficient for several centuries. Coal gasification will play a key role as numerous heavy chemicals and chemical feedstocks can be produced from synthesis gas (e.g. Oxo, Fischer--Tropsch, methanol, olefin and ammonia synthesis). Moreover, aromatic hydrocarbons can be obtained via coking processes, carbonization of lignitic coal or via the hydrogenation of coal. Acetylene production from coal will also regain significance.