Wood vinegar (WV) or pyroligneous acid, is a by-product of
charcoal burning. Smoke from the charcoal kiln is channeled into
a long pipe to allow condensation of the smoke. The liquid condensed
smoke is subsequently left to stand for three months of
natural purification. Three layers result, light oil on top, translucent
brown WV at the middle and the thick wood tar at the bottom. Only
translucent brown WV is used as raw WV. Wood vinegar consists
of more than 200 water soluble compounds comprising organic
acids, phenolic, alkane, alcohol and ester compounds (