Asphalt has properties that include being soluble in petroleum products and generally a by-product of petroleum distillation. Which option reflects this?

• A. Soluble in petroleum products and generally a by-product of petroleum distillation
• B. Resistant to petroleum products and generally a by-product of coke production
• C. Soluble in water and produced by coal gasification
• D. A form of natural rubber

Answer: (B)

Asphalt is a heavy hydrocarbon residue from refining crude oil. Because it is nonpolar and petroleum-based, it readily dissolves in petroleum solvents rather than in water. This solvent behavior, together with its origin as a by-product of the petroleum distillation process, is what best describes asphalt. So the statement that combines being soluble in petroleum products with being a by-product of petroleum distillation matches asphalt’s true characteristics. It wouldn’t fit a description of being resistant to petroleum products, produced by coke production or coal gasification, or being natural rubber.